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The protagonist of ‘The Blindside‘ will be leaving his home state Tennessee Titans and protecting the blindside for the Carolina Panthers. Entering his sixth season, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound punisher at offensive tackle can give Cam Newton the confidence he needs to improve within the pocket. That is, if Michael Oher can regain the confidence that made him a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Newton appeared to take a leap in last year’s playoffs, and it’s apparent the Panthers’ front office took notice. This move shows the fans a two-fold initiative that the Panthers are behind Newton’s maturation 100 percent and are willing to facilitate his development as a franchise quarterback through investing in the potential of Oher.
If Oher can reinvent his agility, he will also become an asset to the Panthers’ rushing attack. He might not get back to piling up the pancake-blocks, but having a mobile mammoth on the offensive line should be promise enough for the Panthers.
Carolina is high on Oher, and so am I. At 28 years old, the now former Titan has at least three good years ahead of him, as long as he’s willing to work. To that end, I have zero doubt Ron Rivera can stoke this fire.
For Oher, he has the intangibles and the genetic gifts, but he needs to want this as much as he once wanted to succeed in the SEC with the Ole Miss Rebels. This two-year deal with the Panthers is a call to command, a time to self-motivate and an opportunity to earn his starting stripes through dedication and discipline.
Oher can do this, and if he succeeds, it shouldn’t blindside anyone.
Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter at @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.
