4 bold changes the Carolina Panthers should make vs. Saints in Week 2
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers go with Dennis Daley at LG
It was hard not to feel sorry for Dennis Daley against the New York Jets. The unavailability of John Miller meant the offensive lineman was forced to occupy the right guard position, something he appeared less than confident about in his presser prior to the clash.
Daley struggled on occasions, which wasn’t entirely unexpected for someone who freely admitted he’s more comfortable on the left-hand side of the protection. However, this is an area where the Carolina Panthers might decide to move the former sixth-round selection if Pat Elflein cannot make the improvements needed.
Perhaps the Panthers should contemplate switching Daley over to the left guard spot, with Miller expected to slot back into the lineup after coming off the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week. After all, he was projected to start in this position until injury struck just before the 2020 campaign.
If the experiment fails, then Daley’s time with the Panthers would be thrown into serious doubt next spring. But it might also be the making of him in the face of a stout New Orleans defensive front.
Quarterback Sam Darnold can ill-afford the same pressure in his face he experienced on his competitive debut. Not against this team.