4 most disappointing Carolina Panthers in Week 1 win vs. NY Jets
By Dean Jones
Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OG
Dennis Daley didn’t exactly exude confidence in his availability to the media after being declared the starter at right guard following John Miller moving to the reserve/COVID-19 list, indicating he is far more comfortable on the left-hand side of the protection.
But that didn’t stop the Carolina Panthers from throwing him in there anyway.
Having versatile players is obviously important to Matt Rhule and his coaching staff. However, if a player clearly isn’t that keen on assuming one specific role, shouldn’t that dictate he cannot be thrown into the mix with any sort of consistency attached?
Daley did have some okay moments. But once the New York Jets turned up the heat in the second half, the former sixth-round pick seemed all at sea.
Had it not been for Christian McCaffrey brushing up a failed blocking assignment from Daley, Sam Darnold’s 57-yard touchdown to Robby Anderson doesn’t happen.
The Panthers chose not to activate Deonte Brown or Michael Jordan for the game. Two players that have plenty of experience at right guard in college and the pros respectively.
Brady Christensen was active but didn’t see the field for a single snap.
Daley struggled at times. But those in power need to accept some responsibility and the player basically admitted a performance like this wasn’t out of the realms of possibility beforehand.