4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. Broncos in Week 14
By Dean Jones
Bravvion Roy – Carolina Panthers DT
Bravvion Roy could be the No. 1 defensive tackle on the Carolina Panthers against the Broncos. Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr both find themselves on the reserve/COVID-19 list following the bye week and it remains to be seen whether they are going to come off in time to make their presence felt on the field.
This is a significant step-up in responsibility for Roy, who joined the organization as a 2020 sixth-round pick who was seen more as a work in progress following his former college coach Matt Rhule to Carolina. He has done well on a rotational basis and far more than anybody expected during this period of transition. But being the primary player at the position is another matter entirely.
It is sure to be a massive boost to his overall development.
Roy has done his best work in the early stages of games before tailing off due to possible conditioning problems. With little in the way of realistic options, if Kerr and Brown are unable to go, the Baylor product is going to be tested to the limit.
Nobody will be more aware of the lack of depth on the defensive front interior than the Broncos, who will look to take advantage of this with their star running back tandem of Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay. One thing is for sure, we will find out a lot more about Roy’s chances of a successful career in Week 14.