4 most important Panthers players at the Chargers in Week 3
By Dean Jones
Joey Slye – Carolina Panthers K
This is a game that might come down to fine margins if the Carolina Panthers can stay competitive. They need to make every chance count and this means that Joey Slye has to be at the top of his game.
The kicker has been consistent so far this season despite missing an extra point in Week 1. Slye has made all four of his field-goal attempts during the campaign so far, which includes two from between 40-49 yards.
Although the Panthers need to be more clinical in the red zone, having a dependable presence such as Slye to put valuable points on the board when required is a tremendous asset to have. The second-year-pro won the confidence of the coaching staff in favor of veteran Graham Gano, who is now with the New York Giants. And it has proved to be the correct decision so far.
Slye will need to keep up this momentum at the Chargers to give his team any chance of coming away with a surprise victory. The early signs are positive regarding his ability to make the position his own for an extended period of time. But he will be all-too-aware of just how fickle NFL teams are when it comes to kickers who go through some sort of slump at any stage.
The NFL is a ruthless business and those operating kicking jobs to bear more of the brunt than others when things aren’t going according to plan. Slye has the potential to make a real difference in this one providing the Panthers are able to move the chains consistently.