7 key takeaways from Panthers’ win at Washington in Week 16
By Dean Jones
Joey Slye’s time is running out
It’s clear that the Carolina Panthers have absolutely no confidence in Joey Slye anymore. The kicker missed an extra point in the first half and that seemed to be enough for him to become an afterthought in their gameplan for the remainder of the contest.
Carolina opted to go for it on fourth down situations rather than put Slye out on the field, which is a damning indictment on his level of production. With the second-year-pro out of contract this offseason, the chances of him staying around beyond this season appear slim.
This is all part of the brutal world of being a kicker in the NFL and Slye will need to work hard in order to get another opportunity elsewhere.
Teddy Bridgewater’s ball security
The pressure was well and truly on Teddy Bridgewater, who is officially fighting for his long-term future with the Panthers. His performance was adequate, for the most part, but his lack of pocket awareness was there for all to see once again.
His inability to recognize pressure resulted in two strip-sacks courtesy of Chase Young. Things could have been far worse for Bridgewater had a drop running the ball not been picked up by D.J. Moore in the third quarter.
This was an underwhelming display, but Carolina did manage to do just enough to get themselves over the line. Bridgewater did nothing to silence the doubters, even though there was more good than bad for the first time in a while.