North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers' offensive linemen have been aware since the summer that the NFL will be enforcing stricter rules on offensive line alignments. This season, tackles must be precisely positioned, with no room for error. During training camp practices, officials informed the linemen about this emphasis.

"They really were being extra about it Week 1," said left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. "Like, that's what the refs were told to emphasize this year."

Although the Panthers have yet to play their Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Thursday night's season opener between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs served as a warning. Officials called illegal formation three times on the Ravens' opening drive.

"They came, they let us know in the offseason that it was a point of emphasis," Ekwonu stated Friday. "So, I mean, I feel like we kind of adjusted on that, but honestly, there were some yesterday that I thought were a little on the line."

The Ravens received five penalties for illegal formation during their game, with three accepted. Veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley was penalized three times, twice during the opening drive.

"We knew that they were going to make a new emphasis on illegal formations," Stanley told The Baltimore Banner after the game. "We got pretty good clarification in OTAs and all of a sudden today...it didn't feel consistent with what we were told from the refs earlier on."

Stanley's concerns highlight potential inconsistencies in enforcement. When Panthers linemen met Friday morning, coaches used these examples to underscore how precise positioning needs to be this season.

Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton explained his alignment strategy: "My facemask needs to break the waistline of the center. So if I line up on the heels of the center, we won't have a problem."

Warnings have traditionally been part of an unwritten agreement among players and officials. However, Stanley and his team did not receive such warnings during Thursday's game.

Dave Canales mentioned that warnings had been communicated throughout preseason: "All of the crews made sure they came up and said 'hey...we'll tell you first time.'"

Offensive line coach Joe Gilbert and run game coordinator Harold Goodwin emphasized this issue during offseason training. As they prepare for their upcoming game against New Orleans Saints’ defensive front including Cam Jordan and Chase Young, observing what happened in Kansas City serves as a practical lesson.

"Take notice to what they're talking about," Canales advised his players regarding weekly instructional videos sent by NFL officials.

Despite tighter regulations potentially impacting gameplay speed and strategy for tackles like Moton and Ekwonu, their focus remains steadfast: play fast and smart.

"The deeper the tackle helps us out...we find a way," Moton concluded.

Additionally, injuries will sideline two starting tight ends—Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) and Ian Thomas (calf)—for Sunday's game. Rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will start in their place while Messiah Swinson has been signed off Green Bay Packers’ practice squad earlier this week.

"He's been practicing with ones all camp...I don't think this adds pressure," Canales remarked about Sanders' readiness.

Veteran Jordan Matthews also brings experience to bolster tight end positions alongside Sanders following strong preseason performances.

"Jordan Matthews stepped in big for us this camp," Canales added.