5 unsung heroes from the Carolina Panthers second preseason game
By Dean Jones
Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OG
He’s turned into the forgotten man on the Carolina Panthers offensive line, but Dennis Daley might end up playing a leading role this season when it’s all said and done. The interior protector was locked in for a starting spot last summer before injury problems surfaced, so the former sixth-round selection will be hoping for more luck this time around.
Daley got a ton of reps on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. More importantly, he was consistent for the most part and enhanced his claims for playing time in 2021.
It’s not been an easy 18 months for Daley, who featured in just 13 percent of the Panthers’ snaps on offense in 2020 before being put on the reserve/injured list in December.
That being said, there could be an opening for increased involvement if the likes of Pat Elflein and John Miller don’t produce the goods early in the campaign.
Daley got some confidence-boosting game time – 66 percent of snaps to be precise – which is a clear indication of the coaching staff’s willingness to give him a real shot at making his presence felt.
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There are far worse performers than Daley within Carolina’s protection. Providing he can stay fit and firing on all cylinders, his size, strength, and improving technique might end up becoming a surprising asset.