5 Carolina Panthers with most at stake before the bye week at Dolphins

Which Carolina Panthers players have the most at stake before the team goes into their long-awaited bye in Week 13 of the 2021 season?

Getting to the bye week has been a long slog for the Carolina Panthers over the last two seasons. After one more huge contest at the Miami Dolphins, players, coaching staff, and the team’s fanbase will get a much-needed break following a rollercoaster campaign so far.

Where the Panthers stand by this point is another matter. One that will be determined at Hard Rock Stadium against a Miami team that’s in the midst of a mini-resurgence after a terrible start.

It’s win-or-bust for Carolina in their bid to secure a surprise postseason spot. Nothing but a complete performance in all facets of the game will do, even though these have been few and far between in 2021.

There are plenty of players with lots on the line in Week 12. It won’t be much longer before the organization starts planning for the future and how certain individuals perform between now and the end of the campaign could decide their fate.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players with most at stake before the bye week.

Player No. 1

John Miller – Carolina Panthers OG

It was a solid return to the lineup for John Miller before collapsing on a crucial fourth-down that ended up being the final play of the game for Carolina in Week 12. This is a microcosm of how things have gone overall for the offensive lineman this season and the pressure is well and truly on at the Dolphins if the former third-round pick wants to earn a new deal.

There was a measure of dismay when the Panthers tinkered with the protection once again. Especially considering how well Trent Scott performed on the interior in Miller’s absence.

Miller has given up four sacks and conceded three penalties from 449 snaps this season en route to a 54.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. A poor showing in Miami on Sunday could see his time as a starter come to an end.