5 Carolina Panthers players to feel more confident about in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could we end up feeling more confident about during the 2021 season?
Training camp for the Carolina Panthers is officially underway as preparations ramp up for the 2021 season. What transpires over the next few weeks will tell us plenty about what we can expect from Matt Rhule’s men in his second year as head coach, which brings more in the way of expectations after a trial-and-error 2020.
The Panthers have a ton of talent. There is absolutely no disputing that at this juncture.
Putting it all together when it matters is the next step for a young and hungry group. If they can accomplish this feat more consistently, then some notable progression won’t be far behind.
Some players need to improve their production judging by previous efforts. It’s also important for new recruits and high-end draft picks to also make their presence felt right from the outset.
On this subject, here are five Panthers players that fans should feel more confident about next season.
Player No. 1
Joey Slye – Carolina Panthers K
There’s no getting away from the struggles Joey Slye went through at times last season. The kicker missed some crucial attempts with the game on the line in 2020 and this appears to be his final chance to prove he can be a viable long-term option at the position.
Carolina’s red-zone struggles meant Slye was under pressure more than he should have been in 2020. With another offseason to familiarize themselves under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, better options at tight end, and Sam Darnold under center, this will hopefully become a thing of the past.
Slye still needs to produce the goods. But the Panthers should be in a much better position to ensure his mistakes are kept to a minimum.