5 under-the-radar Panthers that must perform at the Dolphins in Week 12
By Dean Jones
Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OT
Despite third-round pick Brady Christensen excelling at the left tackle spot in Dennis Daley’s absence last weekend, it wasn’t enough for head coach Matt Rhule to give him the starting job moving forward.
For some reason, the Carolina Panthers just don’t seem confident enough in the BYU product as yet, which remains a head-scratcher considering the lack of consistency from others on the depth chart.
Daley will get the start on Carolina’s blindside once again. This might be his final audition to cement a role with the team and a poor performance might see Christensen take over this responsibility after the bye week.
However, the former sixth-round selection out of South Carolina has a big task on his hands.
The Miami Dolphins blitz more than any other NFL team and Daley needs to be ready for absolutely anything to keep a clean pocket for quarterback Cam Newton. If he can do this and help in run support, then the better Carolina’s chances will be of getting their playoff push back on track.
The lineman has given up three sacks and conceded seven penalties from 454 snaps in 2021 to secure a modest 59.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Daley’s had his problems staying on the field of late, so Christensen needs to be ready to go in at a moment’s notice if either the same happens again or the player struggles to cope with Miami’s aggressive 3-4 front.