Carolina Panthers defense performance through first quarter of 2018
Special Teams: 90, A-
B- vs. Cowboys, B at Falcons, A vs. Bengals, A+ vs. Giants
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The Carolina special teams haven’t necessarily impressed in the return game but their two specialist have been great through the first four games of 2018. Both kicker Graham Gano and punter Michael Palardy have aided considerably in each of the team’s first three wins.
Gano nailed a career long 63-yard field goal in the Panthers last outing to clinch a victory over the visiting New York Giants. While it isn’t reasonable to believe he could be 100-percent from that distance every time out, it does take considerable pressure off quarterback Cam Newton and the offense during a two-minute drill to know it is possible.
Palardy has punted well enough to earn a contract extension and should be in Carolina for a long time. After beating out Andy Lee during training camp a few years ago, Palardy has grasped onto his role with the team and continually is able to flip the field position for Carolina, pinning their opponents back deep inside their own territory.
Next. OFF Review for Games 1-4. dark
The defense hasn’t been dominant every week but they have displayed enough to prove it is possible they may before the season is complete. Carolina continues regular season play next week on the road in Washington.