Carolina Panthers offensive line coach Joe Gilbert made a blunt admission this week about the team’s biggest weakness. He stated that rookie first-round pick Monroe Freeling is still learning the ropes, and that struggle is hurting veteran guard Rob Hunt. The coach believes the lack of chemistry between the two is the main reason Hunt has not found his rhythm this season. The coach blamed the rookie’s inexperience for the veteran’s poor play.
The Comfort Level Gap
Freeling was drafted as a developmental player, but injuries forced him into the starting lineup early. He has played right tackle while Hunt anchors the right guard spot. Gilbert told reporters that the mismatch in experience is creating a friction point. “I think part of it goes to working with a young guy, with Monroe, and getting that comfortability,” said Gilbert on the struggles of Hunt. The coach noted that Hunt played with Taylor Moton, a ten-year veteran, in 2024 and excelled. That history shows what the line can do when the players know each other.
The rotation at right tackle has been messy all year. Moton got healthy, then got hurt, forcing the team back to Freeling. This constant shuffle makes it hard for Hunt to settle. Gilbert said he has seen improvement recently as the duo gets more time together. “I think in the last couple of weeks Rob has improved, and that is part of the comfort level of getting Monroe back in there and now coming back after T. Mo being out,” said Gilbert. The data supports the coach’s view, as Hunt’s performance dipped when Moton was out.
A Season of Instability
Rasheed Walker has struggled at left tackle, and Damien Lewis has missed time at left guard. The center spot is also in flux with a rookie about to take over. Heavy.com reported that the team hopes the line stabilizes now that Freeling has had time to reset while out of the lineup.
Head coach Dave Canales has pushed for urgency across the entire roster. The defense gave up 27 points to Green Bay in the last game, adding to a rough two-week stretch. Canales said the team needs to fix these gaps immediately to stay in the division race. “The urgency really just comes from myself, our staff, our expectations for our players, across the board,” Canales said. He said the team cannot wait for the rookie to develop slowly.
The Panthers face the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium.
