CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Will NFL offensive tackles stand up and lobby their front offices for more?
When the Detroit Lions ran a pass play Thursday featuring tackle Penei Sewell, you could be sure “hog mollies” in living rooms throughout the nation collectively rose out of their seats as the first-quarter play developed.
Sewell, a Pro Bowl right tackle, lined up outside of tight end Sam LaPorta on the left. At the snap, Sewell executed an end-around and received a short pitch from quarterback Jared Goff. Rolling out, Sewell looked downfield, but his targets were covered. The unique play call resulted in a one-yard loss, but the partial Ford Field crowd appreciated the creativity of the attempt.
So did Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales.
“In that situation, a great Thanksgiving call early in the game,” Canales said after Friday’s walk-through practice.
Canales sarcastically continued with his play analysis.
“I was really impressed with his pocket awareness,” he said. “He was out there and had the ball in good profile, kept his eyes down the field and made a good decision not to try and squeeze it in there.”
Canales was asked if he had seen a similar play. He had.
During one of his early coaching stops at El Camino College (2006-08), the Warriors’ coaching staff developed a play where the team’s left tackle received a throw-back screen before launching a downfield pass. Canales recalled that the lineman “looked great all season when we were practicing the play,” Canales said with a grin. “In the game, he skipped it about 10 yards short.
“He dirted it.”
The reverberations of the tackle-pass play, apparently, have yet to enter the Panthers’ offensive line room. Following the Panthers’ practice Friday, Canales had not heard from Ikem Ekwonu’s representatives regarding a similar play call.
“Ikey hasn’t come up to me about throwing the ball,” he said.
After watching @Lions attempt a Thanksgiving tackle pass, should @Panthers coach and pkaycaller Dave Canales expect Ikem Ekwonu to lobby for a similar design Sunday vs @Buccaneers ? … pic.twitter.com/N3QqEAXOnm
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 29, 2024
Panthers’ Pass Game Missing 2 Key Rookies
Entering Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers will be without two key rookie passing game contributors.
Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck) and wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) missed their third consecutive practice Friday and were ruled out of the matchup between NFC South rivals.
Among the players listed as questionable, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee) participated in limited activities Friday, but should dress Sunday, Canales said. Clowney recorded 1.5 sacks last Sunday against the Chiefs.
“We’re giving him until game day, making sure we’re taking care of some things, but we fully expect him to play this week,” Canales said.
@Panthers end Friday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/CsViL5i4ln
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 29, 2024
Quick Quotes
- On safety Nick Scott nearing a return to the 53-man roster, Canales said: “He’s running around looking great out there. Another decision to make there. We have a couple of critical decisions to make.”
- On members of the defensive line coming through with three of the five sacks against the Chiefs, Canales said: “It’s just a group working hard together. The guys take pride in their work. I was happy to see that production come alive.”
- On cornerback Jaycee Horn receiving three holding penalties and one pass interference call last Sunday, Canales said: “He looked great last week. He’s got to clean up some things with his hands, but he’s fine. He’s confident and ready to go.”
@Panthers CB1 Jaycee Horn struggled with excessive hands play last week. Coach Dave Canales wasn’t concerned following Friday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/yKol9gPBsJ
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 29, 2024
