QB competition raises the level everywhere

Of course, quarterbacks move the needle in the NFL, so that’s going to be the thing everyone focuses on, and the thing that will get the most attention. They know that, but Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said he saw signs of that kind of energy throughout the spring, even in things as simple as the Panthers Games competition during OTAs.

“Every guy on this team is competing; now you might not be competing for your job,” Rhule said. ” Taylor Moton is the starting right tackle. But he’s also competing against all the great rushers he’s going to face all year long. He has to have a better camp than them. So the spirit of competition was a focus for us through the spring.

“This team, they love to compete. If I say, ‘Go run 40s,’ they look at me like I’m nuts. If I say, ‘Let’s see who the fastest guy is,’ and they run forever. They’re competitively spirited.

“I do think having a competition at the top, at quarterback, the feedback I’ve gotten from the players is that it will bring out the best in everyone.”

That said, the rest of the roster can’t be spectators for that one, even if the fans might be. The result of an offseason spent adding depth on the offensive line, quarterbacks (plural), linebackers, and receivers has created an environment where there will be more jobs on the line this year.

For instance, Brady Christensen finished last season playing left tackle, and playing it capably well. But the Panthers spent their first-round pick on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. They also added guard Austin Corbett and center Bradley Bozeman in free agency, guys who have been on winning teams recently.

Christensen said Tuesday morning that he didn’t know where he’d line up when players hit the field for the first time tomorrow morning, but his focus is just being somewhere among the “best five” to come out of camp.

“What am I expecting? I just expect a lot of guys and me to go out and compete,” Christensen said. “A lot of good talent on this team, a lot of depth, so I think the…