5 Panthers players that must dominate vs. the Falcons in Week 14

(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) D.J. Moore
(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) D.J. Moore
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Carolina Panthers
(Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton

Which Carolina Panthers players must come up with dominant performances in pursuit of victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14?

Another game day is almost upon us and it’s a big one for the Carolina Panthers. One would have to be living under a rock not to detect the increasing pressure on head coach Matt Rhule following two-straight losses before the bye, which leaves things hanging on a knife-edge regarding their aspirations this season and beyond.

The Panthers have another game they should win the Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. But we’ve seen how things unfold when Carolina is the favorite in contests this season – and it’s generally not good.

Somehow, Rhule and his players still find themselves within touching distance of the playoffs. So all it’s going to take is a couple of wins in a row to see their fortunes look far better than they do right now.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who must dominate for the team to triumph in Week 14.

Player No. 1

Carolina Panthers
(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Brady Christensen

Brady Christensen – Carolina Panthers OL

We could debate all day whether the Panthers should be using Brady Christensen in his preferred position of left tackle. But this is going to be an exceptional challenge for the rookie on Sunday against a Falcons defensive line interior that contains one of the best in the business.

Despite Atlanta struggling overall on defense this season, Grady Jarrett remains a significant force and if Carolina’s suspect protection cannot contain him, it’s going to make life extremely difficult.

Matt Rhule is too stubborn to change his mindset about Christensen, which seems to be down to his arm length and not much else. The BYU product just has to make the best of a less than ideal situation and it’s absolutely essential he provides the Panthers with consistent protection, which was non-existent at the Miami Dolphins.

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