4 Panthers players who need to step up at the Chargers in Week 3
By Dean Jones
John Miller – Carolina Panthers OL
John Miller has been as advertised for the Carolina Panthers during the first two weeks of the season. The offensive lineman has produced some notable highlights, but this has been coupled with individual mistakes that put him and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater under unnecessary pressure.
Miller was coveted heavily by the Panthers during free agency as the man to replace perennial Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner, who was traded to the Chargers in exchange for veteran Russell Okung. He was given a one-year deal worth $4 million and there is a chance for a longer-term commitment next spring of he reaches or even exceeds expectations.
The jury is still out as to whether Miller is capable of this. He has given up two sacks and two penalties already from 140 snaps at the guard spot, which has resulted in a less than stellar 51.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The former third-round pick faces a tough test on Sunday coming up against Linval Joseph, who has enjoyed a standout career to date with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.
Joseph is a formidable presence to move off the line of scrimmage. So Miller will need to raise his game or it could be another long afternoon for the Louisville product.