A new feature begins today here on Carolina Huddle. From time to time we will be presenting the most interesting Carolina Panthers “hot takes” available on the web and social media. Articles, tweets, and instagrams that feature questionable opinions revolving around the Carolina Panthers.

We call it “The Litterbox”, where the most interesting (to put it nicely) Panthers opinions are scooped out for your viewing pleasure. With that said, let us see what nugget has been dropped for us this week.

Is Michael Oher stealing from the Carolina Panthers?

The notion seems silly at best, inflammatory at worst. But The Russell Street Report, a Baltimore Ravens blog, claims that Carolina Panthers left tackle Michael Oher is “Stealing from the Panthers” with his latest contract extension.

“How can the Panthers feel justified in this decision? Oher was ProFootballFocus’ 30th-ranked offensive tackle in the NFL last year. Sure, he helped keep Cam upright on his way to the Super Bowl (10th in pass block per PFF), but his run blocking was off-the-charts horrendous (26.3 grade) and once he faced an actual formidable and fearsome front seven in SB50? He was manhandled with ease.”

This blasting of Oher stems mainly from sour grapes that Oher, a former Ravens player, has done well with Carolina Panthers. Well enough, in fact, that Oher’s quarterback was MVP of the NFL in 2015. Name for me one MVP QB in history that didn’t have a legitimate left tackle protecting him. I’ll wait.

The article goes on to mention PFF rankings, which most people realize is useless for assessing any offensive lineman. Trying to grade any individual lineman without knowing the play call or protection scheme makes it impossible to assign blame or praise on any single player. However, PFF grades do come in extremely handy as fuel for the hottest of hot takes.

The fact of the matter is that Michael Oher is a pro bowler in comparison to left tackle Byron Bell of the 2014 Carolina Panthers season. He has been a tremendous upgrade and well worth the price. Cam Newton also has developed a nice chemistry with Oher over the past year, adding to his comfort in the pocket. The result? A Superbowl and MVP season for Newton.

The article ends with “But thanks to the Panthers, Ravens fans should realize it could be worse. Much worse.” The Baltimore Ravens finished 5-11 last season which begs the question…. could it get much worse to begin with?

If you find a “hot take” you feel deserves to be featured in “The Litter Box” next week, let us know on social media with #litterbox and we will consider it.