One of the most important players on the Carolina Panthers roster is having one of the team’s most disappointing preseasons. But that doesn’t seem to bother head coach Frank Reich much.
Reich spoke with reporters on Sunday, less than 48 hours after his squad’s 21-19 loss to the New York Giants. Included in the defeat was another concerning performance from left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, one lowlighted by this . . .
Kayvon Thibodeaux blowing past fellow 2022 1st round pick Ikem Ekwonu 👀 📈
(🎥 @nickfalato) pic.twitter.com/72XxT8RbBs
— uSTADIUM App (@uSTADIUM) August 20, 2023
Reich was asked about the sack.
“Yeah, it was a miscommunication,” he said. “There was a line call made and thought we heard one thing and two words that sound similar and two words that sound similar and in the heat of the battle—we heard the wrong word.”
Ekwonu has also put up some wrong numbers in his pair of exhibition outings. The 2022 sixth overall pick has allowed three pressures over 18 total dropbacks and is currently saddled with a 17.0 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus—the lowest of any Carolina offensive lineman.
Nonetheless, Reich doesn’t seem worried.
“A lot of confidence in Ickey,” he added. “I have no concerns about him playing winning football and being one of the true anchors to our offensive line. The year he had last year and the training camp that he’s had—I think not only is he gonna be a really good player for us, I think he’s gonna be a good leader.
“We have had a couple miscues he’s been involved in, but those things will get worked out.”
