3 Panthers position groups that must step up at the Dolphins in Week 12

Which Carolina Panthers position groups must step up in Week 12 at the Miami Dolphins to potentially save their season?

Week 11 had so many storylines, it felt like a fairytale. Former beloved head coach Ron Rivera was on the opposing sideline and in tow were a brood of former Carolina Panthers players back on their old stomping ground.

Of course, the highlight was Cam Newton dusting off his black jersey at Bank of America Stadium wearing it for the first time since 2019.

Social media exploded with well-wishers ready for Newton to make his home debut again. A plethora of hats and fedoras donned Twitter, energy was in the air, and excitement abounded.

Truth be told, Newton did not disappoint.

Ultimately, it was the defense failing to stop the Washington Football Team that led to another disappointing loss in a crucial game with playoff implications.

Yes, mathematically the Panthers are still in the race, but one isn’t sure how many more mistakes Carolina can afford with such little buffer between them and other NFC teams jockeying for a Wild Card spot.

The Miami Dolphins are 4-7 and currently occupying third place in the AFC East. Enjoying a three-game win streak, Brian Flores’ men are in the midst of an envious stretch playing five of six games at home.

After a brutal 1-7 start to the season, they have found a recent groove and hope to take advantage of a Panthers team still attempting to have all cylinders firing at the same time.

Sitting in the middle to bottom-of-the-pack in most offensive and defensive statistical categories, their recent win streak has brought hope to the fanbase as they attempt to extend that stretch against the Panthers.

Carolina is heading to South Beach, But instead of enjoying the sun and sand, they will find a home at Hard Rock Stadium for another early afternoon contest on Sunday.

This is the last game before a much-needed time of rest and recovery in Week 13. It is paramount the Panthers can come home with a win before a brutal five-game stretch to close out the regular season.

If any semblance of joining the playoffs remains, it cannot happen without a win in Miami.

Yes, we have reached that point.

Without further ado, here are three position groups that must step up for the Panthers in Week 12.