3 Panthers position groups that must step up at the Texans in Week 3

Carolina Panthers kicking

The Carolina Panthers have started three kickers in three games and have not seen any improvement. Joey Slye was not the answer; nor was Ryan Santoso.

Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez had trouble on kickoffs getting the ball into the end-zone and missed an extra point that went wide left. The field goal unit also conceded a blocked kick to rub salt into the wounds, but thankfully it didn’t matter.

With an offensive and defense both playing well, another less-than-stellar outing may be cause for the Panthers to continue their search for a permanent kicker.

The kicking game should be boring – extra points go through the uprights, kickoffs hit the end-zone, and field goals are not blocked. So far, fans have been groaning for the likes of Graham Gano or Harrison Butker.

Pundits have made this a talking point, and social media has had its say in the situation. Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn must get his squad together and in unison.

A quick turnaround from Sunday afternoon plus a flight out of town makes preparation tough. Guys are already nursing minor injuries and do not have the regular timeframe for therapy, icing, taping, or stretching.

With a primetime game on the horizon, the Panthers have a chance to put the league on notice and they are clearly not satisfied being second fiddle in the NFC South.