Prior to the 2025 season, there were various issues about the Carolina Panthers. However, no one disputed their main strength.
This, of course, was the attacking line.
All five starters and depth pieces have returned. This constancy is crucial, particularly in the trenches. Their intimidating 2024 campaign was expected to be the beginning of great things, but it has not gone as planned.
Austin Corbett and Robert Hunt are currently on the shelf. Chandler Zavala did not last long before landing on injured reserve. Instead of dominating, they’re treading water. And one established character is dissolving just as the squad needs him the most.
Ikem Ekwonu has not become the complete package for the Carolina Panthers (yet)
In Week 1, the Panthers missed the presence of Ikem Ekwonu. The former North Carolina State mauler underwent an emergency appendectomy and was not risked. He’s returned for three games, but it’s been much the same for a player who was supposed to do much more in his fourth year of professional hockey.
Ekwonu’s blocking ability on running plays has never been questioned. He’s a brutal force, which was a strength in college that only grew in the pros. What’s the problem? Carolina doesn’t run the ball nearly enough.
They play from behind too much. The running game is being hampered. It also exposes Ekwonu’s vulnerability: pass protection.
All of the physical traits are present. Ekwonu’s problems are technical. He does not mirror the approaching edge rusher consistently. He has already allowed 15 pressures, three quarterback hits, one sack, and three penalties since returning to the lineup. It has received very little attention due to other problems, but that does not make it any less concerning.
This is evident in his grades from Pro Football Focus. Ekwonu’s 76.3 run-blocking grade places him 17th out of 109 qualified offensive tackles. In contrast, his pass-blocking grade of 50.9 is 77th. Perhaps the Panthers’ 2022 first-round pick is getting back into the swing of things, but time is not on their side.
They need Ekwonu to develop into a versatile blindside enforcer. It isn’t enough to thrive in one area if the athlete wants to sign a contract extension worth more than $20 million per year next spring. They are reserved for individuals who prosper throughout all phases, and he does not yet match these criteria. There is still a long way to go and a lot of football to be played, but Ekwonu will need to put in a lot of effort to become the cornerstone piece Carolina requires.