4 most important Panthers players vs. the Broncos in Week 14
By Dean Jones
Mike Davis – Carolina Panthers RB
The Carolina Panthers were hoping to have Christian McCaffrey back in Week 14. But the All-Pro running back’s disastrous run of luck with injuries continued this season after he aggravated a quad problem during an individual workout.
This means that Mike Davis will once again shoulder the workload as McCaffrey misses out against his father’s old team. The veteran has done far better than anybody expected in the primary role in 2020 and he is going to be a vital component in any success that comes Carolina’s way at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.
Davis is going to get another chance to prove he can be a viable starting option for another team in 2021. It’s unlikely the former South Carolina standout would turn down this sort of chance once his contract expires next spring. So it’s a good opportunity to put himself in the shop window against a Broncos defense that is giving up 131.5 yards-per-game on the ground this season.
It would be a blow to the Panthers if Davis opted to take his chances elsewhere. If this season has taught them anything, it’s that they need a good backup option if McCaffrey continues this concerning trend of injuries next year.
For now, Davis will be one of Carolina’s focal points in Week 14 and has to set the tone early to enable other areas of the offense to thrive.