4 disappointing Carolina Panthers players vs. the Saints in Week 2

Zane Gonzalez – Carolina Panthers K

If the Carolina Panthers were hoping that Zane Gonzalez would come in and instantly solve their kicking woes, they were mistaken. The former Arizona Cardinal was brought in following the team’s decision to waive Ryan Santoso after just one game, which saved them a seventh-round pick but left more questions than answers surrounding the position.

Gonzalez didn’t leave the best first impression and he’s fortunate the Panthers are on a short week before taking on the Houston Texans on Thursday night.

Not only did Gonzalez have a field goal block and miss an extra point, but his kick-offs failed to reach the end zone and this exposed some real flaws in terms of special teams’ coverage that will no doubt have infuriated Chase Blackburn.

Things need to improve for Gonzalez or he might be looking for employment this time next week. Carolina has been ruthless in pursuit of finding the right formula at the kicking position after a torrid preseason from Joey Slye threw their plans into chaos.

This is a stern test of character for Gonzalez. One that needs a positive response in Week 3.

Carolina has been fortunate to not need reliable kicking over the first two weeks following exceptional displays. But that won’t wash during the sterner challenges awaiting them as the campaign goes on.