5 Panthers players facing a make-or-break second preseason game
By Dean Jones
Joey Slye – Carolina Panthers K
There is even more pressure on Joey Slye to deliver the goods after an inconsistent outing at the Indianapolis Colts. The kicker made four of five field goals, with his miss coming from more than 60 yards, but a missed extra point attempt from 43 leaves many questioning his ability to improve when the real action begins.
Slye has had little competition for his starting spot this offseason. The Carolina Panthers brought in Zane Gonzalez and had Matt Ammendola around briefly, but neither earned an extended stay with the organization as the team looked for options within other positional groups.
Carolina clearly has faith in Slye. Even if the large majority of the team’s fanbase does not.
The only way Slye can answer his critics is by hitting the ball through the uprights. But it does seem a strange call to not provide some increased urgency where the third-year-pro is concerned.
Should the Virginia Tech product struggle against the Baltimore Ravens, then it might see the Panthers finally bring in someone that can push Slye for a starting job. Carolina’s red-zone struggles were evident in the preseason opener, something that piled plenty on the kicker’s shoulders once again.
Hopefully, the introduction of Sam Darnold and some better end-zone targets such as Terrace Marshall Jr. and Dan Arnold can take the heat off. Until then, Slye will be under the microscope more than most in preseason Week 2.