Despite dealing with some troubling injuries, the Carolina Panthers managed to stay afloat before their bye week. Head coach Dave Canales now wants his team to take the next step, and everyone has to make their presence felt.
This will be in differing roles, of course. But they will be important.
The Panthers are 2-2, but their schedule is about to get more difficult. To navigate this successfully, everyone — from the franchise cornerstones to the special teamers and every player in between — must step up.
With that in mind, here are four Panthers players who must step up to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Carolina Panthers players who must step up to keep their playoff hopes growing
Robert Hunt, OL
The Panthers should get a big boost with the imminent return of stud right tackle Taylor Moton, whose 21-day return window has opened. Nobody will be happier than Robert Hunt.
After two dominant seasons in Carolina, things have tailed off for Hunt this season. He doesn't look as explosive, and missing time during the offseason seems to have had an adverse effect. But with the bye-week rest and Moton's return, the Pro Bowler is more than capable of returning to his old form.
If he can, and Moton also hits the ground running, it'll completely change the offensive line's dynamic.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB
The Panthers seem content to move forward with their cornerback options despite losing Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. to injury. They don't have much spare salary-cap space for anything else, but it's still a huge leap of faith.
Chau Smith-Wade has gone from a rotational presence to Carolina's most experienced cornerback. That's how precarious things are, so the 2023 fifth-round selection must capitalize on this opportunity to firmly cement himself as a big part of the team's future.
Whether Smith-Wade accomplishes this feat is another matter.
Tommy Tremble, TE
Darren Waller has been a nice addition to the tight end room. His impact on the passing attack is undeniable, and if he stays healthy, the Pro Bowler has the physical gifts to continue this trend.
That doesn't mean Tommy Tremble's role isn't important. He has only played 50 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but his ability as a blocker — both in-line and at the second level — will be integral to the team's hopes.
And the Notre Dame product needs to show up for the Panthers to stand any chance of getting a third contract in Carolina next spring.
Tre'von Moehrig, S
The Panthers need more from Tre'von Moehrig. Amid all the positivity, the veteran safety has been a disappointment through the opening four games. There have been flashes, but Carolina is paying him like one of the league's best.
And he is falling short of these targets.
Moehrig can play. He proved that during a highly successful first campaign with the club. There have been too many mistakes so far, but getting the chance to reflect and refocus over the bye week should come with enhancements over Carolina's remaining 13 contests.
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