4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Bears in Week 6

Curtis Samuel – Carolina Panthers WR

Curtis Samuel is clearly growing in stature with each passing game. The wide receiver has made some big plays in recent weeks and has become the favorite target of Teddy Bridgewater on third down.

With Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore gathering most of the opposition’s attention on the outside, it will be vital Samuel makes the most out of the space afforded to him by a Bears secondary that can be got at providing Teddy Bridgewater gets enough time in the pocket.

The former Ohio State standout has caught 19 of 23 targets thrown his way this season, resulting in 182 receiving yards. Samuel is also being utilized plenty in the running game thanks to the absence of Christian McCaffrey, gaining 63 yards on the ground from 15 carries.

This might be a vaunted Bears defense that the Carolina Panthers are coming up against on Sunday. But there does appear to be an opportunity for players with the skill set of Samuel to do some damage.

Much will depend on how offensive coordinator Joe Brady uses the dual-threat weapon. But if Samuel can gain some confidence and targets early in the game, then it might come with his best contribution of the campaign to date.