5 most important Carolina Panthers players vs. NY Jets in Week 1

Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OG

The Carolina Panthers starting right guard John Miller was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He will miss 10 days after head coach Matt Rhule all-but outed the lineman as one of the few on the team who’d chosen not to get the vaccine.

The next man up is Dennis Daley. His career has been up and down, but this is his time to show that he can start despite being more comfortable over on the left-hand side.

Daley gets the start for the regular-season opener against the New York Jets. An opportunity he simply has to take advantage of.

He will see many snaps against stud defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Blocking him is never an easy task.

The offensive line was already sketchy and losing Miller was big. Daley is more than prepared to start. Last year he started three games and did very well although injuries significantly hindered his progress throughout the campaign.

This is also Daley’s chance to take Miller’s job as the starting right guard. Next year is a contract year for the former sixth-round pick and he wants to get paid, just like the next man.

If Daley can block, and block well for Sam Darnold this will help the offense produce. He’s got a big job on Sunday and the player will look to prove he can be a productive NFL starter.