5 under-the-radar Panthers players who must step up at the Falcons

Which under-the-radar Carolina Panthers players must step up and make a contribution at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8?

There is a significant amount on the line in Week 8 for almost everyone on the Carolina Panthers. Their strong start to the campaign has been shattered by a four-game losing run that culminated in a complete embarrassment at an under-strength New York Giants, leaving some substantial concerns about the team and their aspirations this season and beyond.

Talk is cheap at this stage for Matt Rhule and his staff. Everyone is pretty sick and tired of similar complications surfacing every week and Sam Darnold’s benching on Sunday means time is quickly running out for the quarterback in terms of becoming the Panthers‘ long-term option at the position.

Things must turn around at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, who have won the last two contests and seem to be clicking on offense with a resurgent Matt Ryan under center.

A collective effort is needed, there’s no getting away from that. Here are five under-the-radar Panthers players who must step up and make a big-time contribution at the Falcons to save Carolina’s season.

Player No. 1

Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OG

With John Miller now on the reserve/injured list with an ankle problem, the Panthers are without one of their primary offensive linemen once again. Not exactly ideal for a group that’s struggled in pass protection throughout the campaign.

Matt Rhule’s praise of Michael Jordan this week could mean an extended stint at left guard for the free-agent acquisition. This means that either Brady Christensen or Dennis Daley can fill the void left by Miller.

Christensen isn’t in Rhule’s good graces, it appears. So the task might be on the underperforming Daley for what’s undoubtedly his final chance to prove himself to Carolina’s coaching staff.