7 studs and duds from Panthers’ loss at the Vikings in Week 12
By Dean Jones
Stud No. 3: Zach Kerr – Carolina Panthers DT
Zach Kerr has been one of the best free-agent signings made by the Carolina Panthers this season. The defensive tackle has been the energetic presence on the interior that they’ve been lacking for some time and his performance at the Vikings was another big confidence boost.
The former Arizona Cardinal caused plenty of disruption to a suspect Minnesota protection on his way to eight tackles, one forced fumble, and one pass defended from just 38 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
Kerr’s influence is steadily rising with every passing week and there is nothing to suggest he cannot play an even bigger role with more familiarity with the system in 2021 if, as expected, veteran Pro Bowler Kawann Short becomes a salary-cap casualty.
Dud No. 2: Joey Slye – Carolina Panthers K
Joey Slye might not have needed to produce some potential heroics had the Panthers managed the clock a bit better. But the simple fact of the matter is he didn’t come up with the goods when it mattered most once again.
The second-year player missed two field goals during the game – one of which was blocked. In a game decided by fine margins, this was absolutely pivotal to the overall result and leaves Slye with plenty of work to do in order to convince Carolina’s coaching staff that he can be a dependable presence next season and beyond.