Both Michael Oher and the Panthers are searching for consistency. Oher is on his third NFL team in three seasons, and the Panthers are on their third left tackle in as many seasons.
Both sides hope they’ve found the perfect match.
“It seemed like they wanted me,” Oher told the Charlotte Observer on Thursday after the week’s final practice of organized team activities. “I got the (same) feeling going into my rookie year of not wanting to let guys down and guys with a winning culture. For me, it’s about getting back to the basics and fundamentals of doing everything right. Looking myself in the mirror knowing what I have to do and getting better from within.”
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The Panthers made the playoffs last season but struggled to replace retired tackle Jordan Gross. Tired of seeing Cam Newton down in the backfield, they decided to act.
Enter Oher.
After starting his NFL career with the Ravens, Oher moved to the Titans last year, signing a four-year, $20 million deal. His time there was a disappointment because of a toe injury and what he believed was a lack of a winning culture. He said he doesn’t think that will be a problem with the Panthers.
“They’re competing the right way with fundamentals, technique and with holding each other accountable,” Oher said. “You can tell that these guys have won division championships, but also a bunch of humble guys who know how to work and know what it takes to win.”
Oher will play for offensive line coach John Matsko, who coached him in Baltimore. That, plus Oher's enthusiasm for being in Charlotte, have Panthers coach Ron Rivera feeling good.
“He worked very well for coach Matsko, and then at the end of the day he wanted to be here. That’s one of the things that he told us that impressed us. He said he wanted to be here and needed to improve and work on certain things and get back on track," Rivera said.