Is Cade Mays the Leader for the Interim Right Guard Job?

The Panthers have to find a replacement for Austin Corbett incase he's unable to go Week 1.

Running the football is going to be a critical part of this Carolina Panthers offense in 2023. With a rookie quarterback under center, there's added pressure to run the ball efficiently to make his life much easier.

Last season, the Panthers willed their way back into the NFC South title race with a physical rushing attack led by D'Onta Foreman. As good as Foreman was, the new-look offensive line with Bradley Bozeman at center is what allowed Foreman and the other backs to do damage.

When Frank Reich took the job, he knew what he was inheriting up front and it jibes well with what he wants his offense to look like. That said, this is a different offensive system with some new faces featured in it and Reich knows that because of it, that group has to prove themselves again that they are one of the best units in the NFL.

"Our philosophy is that it all starts up front on both sides of the ball. And that's one of the things we were really excited about coming into this team - a somewhat established offensive line, a great o-line coach. I know there's a lot of talk about what was done last year as far as the o-line but I think everybody has that mindset that this is a new year. We gotta prove it."

The Panthers will likely begin the season not at full strength as right guard Austin Corbett makes his way back from an ACL injury he suffered in the regular season finale in New Orleans last January. But there's no one panicking, at least at the moment, that Corbett may not be ready for Week 1. 

The Panthers have options. Veteran Justin McCray has played a lot of ball under o-line coach James Campen, rookie Chandler Zavala has promise but is out with a strained pec, and Cade Mays is as advanced mentally as anyone along that offensive line.

"His mental approach," said Reich about what stands out about Mays. "I think he's a really smart player. And just listening to Coach Campen talk about him, he's just continued to mature in every way. Mentally, physically, understanding the game, his approach. Excited about what I've seen in the short time I've been here."

During his rookie season, we saw Mays play all along the line during practice and in preseason but really showed off his IQ and athleticism when he was asked to play fullback. In his college days, Mays played all five positions on the line which is a big factor as to why he's got a great understanding of the game. He knows what everyone is doing, their responsibility, and what it's supposed to look like. We still have a long way to go before the interim right guard job is determined, but for now, Mays has the lead.

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