Everybody loves an underdog story. So why is left tackle Byron Bell not embraced by the Panthers fan base?

“The perception. It’s the perception, the perception,” head coach Ron Rivera said after Wednesday’s practice.

“I don’t think he’s been given a fair shake, but that’s perception. That’s the way people look at things. But hopefully he’ll continue to grow and develop, and he’ll be a guy who can prove a lot of people wrong.”

Rivera believes much of the angst toward Bell stems from last year’s Week 2 loss in Buffalo, when Mario Williams racked up 4.5 sacks. Since the Bills defensive end was lined up across from Bell that day, most assume he gave up all of those sacks. According to Rivera, that’s a big misperception.

“I wish people could come in and sitdown and watch tape and ask questions,” Rivera said. “I could sit there and say no, that’s not what happened. This is what we were doing. This is why it happened.”

So coach, is that an invite for us media folks?

“No.”

Oh.

Somewhat strangely, Rivera hasn’t officially named Bell the starting left tackle. The closest Rivera came was Tuesday, when he described it as a ‘fait accompli’ — or, a done deal.

Bell hasn’t even been told. He read Rivera’s comments, but he’s still waiting on official word.

“I’m going to have a sit down and talk to (Rivera) about it, which I’m pretty sure is coming up soon,” Bell said, before adding, “I’m blessed, and I’m honored to be this team’s starting left tackle.”

In Bell’s first three seasons, he started 47 games — as many as former left tackle Jordan Gross did in the same timeframe. Now Bell is making the switch from right tackle to the left side, which scares fans worried about quarterback Cam Newton’s blindside. But as Rivera has been saying all summer, that’s Bell’s natural position.

“Going back over there, it feels like you’re back in high school again, college, the same thing,” the left-handed Bell said. “It’s just like riding a bicycle all over again. It’s more comfortable.”

Fans may not like the previews they’ve seen, but the story could end up being a good one.

An undrafted free agent out of New Mexico thrust into a starting role as a rookie. A guy who battled through three seasons, and who’s now moving over to the marquee position on the offensive line.

It may not be “The Blindside,” but it may not be the horror flick many are expecting, either.

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