4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Bears in Week 6
By Dean Jones
Chris Reed – Carolina Panthers OL
Chris Reed has been one of the real success stories for the Carolina Panthers this season. The offensive lineman missed the early part of the campaign on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he has made up for lost time with some outstanding displays upon his return.
Reed was expected to be a rotational member of the protection in Carolina, but his efforts from a starting role make it difficult for the player to be removed from the lineup when Dennis Daley returns to full health. This is a testament to how the former Jacksonville Jaguar has overcome adversity this season, but there is the sternest of tests awaiting him against the Bears.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Chicago’s strength lies on its defensive front. They are a dominant group when firing on all cylinders and this is further enhanced by the elite pass-rushing skills of Khalil Mack on the edge.
The job of Reed, Matt Paradis, and John Miller will be to ensure Teddy Bridgewater is not overwhelmed in the pocket by Chicago’s interior pass-rush, and they must also give running back Mike Davis enough holes to do damage coming up against his former team.
Reed has yet to give up a sack from 192 offensive snaps so far and this is a trend that needs to continue during a game that could be decided in the trenches.