Carolina Panthers Week 1 grades vs. Los Angeles Rams

Special Teams

Kicker: C+
Punter: B
Punt Return: A+
Kick Return: B

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A questionable area of the roster given kicker Graham Gano was placed on the injured reserve list, Joey Slye, his replacement, performed admirably during preseason play. Earning the position, Slye, unfortunately missed his first attempt, a 53-yard try near the end of the first quarter but rebounded with a make before halftime and another second-half kick.

Michael Palardy routinely flipped the field for Carolina but it was the punt return unit who made the biggest impact. Down 10 to start the fourth quarter, the Panthers forced a punt and linebacker Jermaine Carter got in the backfield for a block. Two plays later Carolina was in the end zone and down just three with plenty of time left in the ballgame.

Recently signed return man Ray-Ray McCloud looked good in his first action as a member of the Panthers.

Now facing a short week, the Panthers return to the field on Thursday night against divisional rival Tampa Bay.