5 projected Carolina Panthers starters who could be benched in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players who are projected to start could end up being benched by the organization during the 2021 season?
There is plenty at stake for the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The team showed some signs of life last season despite finishing with a 5-11 record for the second straight year, but head coach Matt Rhule can take some solace from the fact they were highly competitive against teams who had far more ambitious aspirations.
Rhule laid the foundations in Year 1 of his tenure. But what comes next will be equally as important and could go a long way to determining how much longer fans have to wait before cheering a winning football team once again.
The talent is there, even if some of them will be on a short leash if they earn prominent positions in the lineup during training camp and the preseason.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five Panthers players projected to start their season opener against the New York Jets that could be benched during the campaign.
Player No. 1
Joey Slye – Carolina Panthers K
It would be a surprise if Joey Slye wasn’t the starting kicker in Week 1. But he will need to turn things around after coming up short more often than not in 2020.
The Panthers gave Slye a one-year extension this offseason despite his lack of conviction in big moments, although most of his crucial misses were from long range. Carolina is also keen for a potential kicker battle during training camp to ensure their current No. 1 doesn’t get too complacent, which would be beneficial for all parties involved.
This will increase Slye’s urgency if nothing else.
Carolina obviously thought enough of him to send Graham Gano packing once he returned from injury, but if his production is hampering the team’s chances in 2021, those in power won’t hesitate to go in a different direction.