Carolina Panthers: Roster issues entering Week 1 play
Special Teams Play
Carolina enters 2019 with two new faces on special teams in kicker Joey Slye and return man Ray-Ray McCloud. Slye earned his opportunity filling in for Graham Gano early during the preseason but continued issues with Gano’s plant leg kept him from ever kicking in a live game situation.
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Slye displayed a strong leg on both kickoff and by nailing three field goals over 50-yards in preseason play, capped by a successful 59-yard attempt in the finale with room to spare. A rookie, how he handles the pressures of games that count versus glorified practices will be something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Rookie Terry Godwin flashed some return potential during preseason play but ultimately Hurney claimed McCloud off waivers after he was released by the Buffalo Bills. Expected to immediately contribute on punt return and perhaps kickoff with running back Reggie Bonnafon, this new addition is another young face in a key role.
Special teams play is important and in a tight NFC South division, could make the difference when these teams line up against one another.
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Hopefully all these areas of concern entering Week 1 are soon long forgotten memories, but with two games coming up quick – entering the regular season with unanswered questions is never good.