4 Panthers players who need to step up at Vikings in Week 12
By Dean Jones
FOX. 4-6. Vikings -3.5. 4-7. 87. 60. 1 PM ET. Sunday, Nov 29
Which Carolina Panthers players need to step up at the Vikings?
If the Carolina Panthers could pull off another notable victory at the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, it would leave them with an immensely positive outlook heading into their Week 13 bye. Any positives this young roster can take from the 2020 season will be a bonus and success at U.S. Bank Stadium is sure to be another strong indicator that things are heading in the right direction.
Yes, the Carolina Panthers might not attain a winning record from the campaign. But that wasn’t really expected in year one of head coach Matt Rhule’s tenure. What people – and fans in particular – want to see is the potential to possibly becoming a postseason contender in the near future.
From that perspective, it’s been mission accomplished.
The Vikings could be one loss away from removing themselves from playoff contention themselves after last weekend’s disappointing loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys. There is also the added intrigue of Teddy Bridgewater making his eagerly anticipated return to Minnesota in a starting role for the first time since the quarterback and the organization went their separate ways.
This is going to be a close game, of that there is little doubt. Here are four Panthers players who need to step up if they want to secure their second straight victory over an NFC North opponent.
Player No. 1
Mike Davis – Carolina Panthers RB
Christian McCaffrey won’t travel with the team after initially looking like he might have an outside chance of making his return. This is the right call by the Panthers, with the All-Pro running back now getting an extended period of rest before their Week 14 game against the Denver Broncos.
Once again, the onus will be on Mike Davis to provide the level of production needed to allow other playmakers on offense to thrive. The veteran did an impressive job last weekend and now had 754 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns to his name from eight starts.
There might be a chance for Davis to gain more joy on Sunday, with the Vikings giving up 122.1 yards-per-game on the ground.