4 Panthers players with most to prove in Week 15 at the Bills

Which Carolina Panthers players have the most to prove when the team travels to take on the dangerous Buffalo Bills in Week 15?

Although the talk of playoff football has now evaporated where the Carolina Panthers are concerned, that doesn’t mean players and coaching staff don’t have plenty to play for over their remaining four games. The pressure is well and truly on after another losing season is now staring them in the face, so what transpires down the stretch will go a long way to determining just how dramatic this offseason is going to be.

It’s not just roster members who are being evaluated. If head coach Matt Rhule doesn’t get this team trending in a positive direction despite the strength of Carolina’s opposition, the calls to remove him after just two years at the helm will be deafening.

First up during the Panthers‘ daunting run-in is the Buffalo Bills, who have flattered to deceive for the most part this season but still possess an abundance of talent on both sides of the football. Couple this with the cold weather and it represents a considerable challenge for Carolina given how low morale is at the moment.

Without further ado, here are four Panthers players with the most to prove in Week 15.

Player No. 1

Pat Elflein – Carolina Panthers C

It was an encouraging start for Pat Elflein when the Panthers switched him to the center position following Matt Paradis’ season-ending injury in Week 9. But the veteran has regressed in recent weeks and if he wants to secure the position in 2022, things have to get better.

Elflein was given a two-year deal by the Panthers on Day 1 of free agency alongside Cam Erving. What we’ve seen so far from a production standpoint indicates the former Ohio State star was not worthy of such a big financial commitment.

Buffalo’s defensive front can cause damage providing they generate early momentum. If Elflein fluffs his lines yet again, it casts further doubt on his future with the franchise.