7 studs and duds from Panthers’ loss at the Vikings in Week 12

Dud No. 3: Joe Brady – Carolina Panthers OC

Joe Brady has made an outstanding start to life with the Carolina Panthers that is sure to attract plenty of speculation with vacant head coaching roles in the offseason. But his lack of conviction and questionable play-calling in the second half cost his team in a big way.

The running game was working so well for the Panthers in the first half. But for some reason, it was virtually anonymous after the break.

Whether Brady was too fixated on getting Teddy Bridgewater in a rhythm or not is up for debate and the way the game was managed by not getting calls to the line of scrimmage quick enough is a growing concern that seems to be hurting them.

Dud No. 4: Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT

Derrick Brown has a real chance to make a big splash against a Vikings’ interior protection that hasn’t exactly been stellar in 2020. There was nothing wrong with the No. 7 overall pick’s efficiency plugging gaps in the run game, but it would be hard to argue that a little more was expected of the player coming into this one.

The former Auburn standout has been as advertised during his rookie year. Brown was credited with two quarterback hits on Kirk Cousins and although labeling him with the ‘dud’ tag seems a little bit harsh, it’s time the defensive tackle was held to higher regard in terms of production after Carolina decided to use their first selection on him in the 2020 NFL Draft.

6 Panthers players with most to prove after the bye week

Which Carolina Panthers players have the most to prove once they return to competitive action after their well-deserved Week 13 bye?

Brown is going to be a good player, of that there is little doubt. However, the problem is that the Panthers need him to be a great one.