4 reasons why the Carolina Panthers could struggle in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers suffer kicking woes once again
If the Carolina Panthers want to make more of a splash next season, they need their kicking unit to improve considerably. This is something that proved an ongoing frustration in 2020 and if the same happens again, Matt Rhule won’t be afraid to make a change if he feels it can benefit the franchise.
It all comes down to Joey Slye. The player is entering his third season and it was something of a surprise that the Panthers gave him a new one-year deal considering the complications he went through last time around.
Slye made 29 of 36 field goals for a success rate of 80.6 percent. He was one for six on attempts of 50 yards or more and also missed three extra points during the campaign.
This included some game-winning efforts from long range that failed to go through the uprights.
Hopefully, a more balanced offense and the introduction of quarterback Sam Darnold means Slye won’t be tasked with kicking so many field goals in the red zone, where Carolina simply failed to get it done more often than not.
There is some incredible pressure on Slye in 2021. The Panthers are also keen to bring in another veteran kicker for a training camp competition, with Zane Gonzalez participating in a tryout at mandatory minicamp.