4 silver linings from the Panthers’ loss vs. the Eagles in Week 5

What were some silver linings from another disappointing afternoon for the Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5?

The Carolina Panthers are at a critical stage of their 2021 season. Sunday’s abysmal loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 was another gut check for a team that seems some way off contending for a playoff place despite a strong start against less than stellar opposition over the first three contests.

This was as bad as it gets. Carolina had a lead once again at the halftime break which should have been much more substantial on the balance of play, but everything went wrong from an offensive standpoint in the second half and the Eagles took full advantage late to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The Panthers have to show enormous character in the coming days before taking on the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium. Another reverse would see the murmurings of discontent grow larger, which is something Matt Rhule and his players could do without.

However, it wasn’t all bad. Here are four silver linings from the Panthers’ disappointing loss in Week 5.

Silver Lining No. 1

Zane Gonzalez – Carolina Panthers K

The Panthers might have found their kicker, after all.

Zane Gonzalez went through some difficulties when he initially joined to replace Ryan Santoso. But the player has come into his own over the last couple of games and he was once again flawless against the Eagles.

Gonzalez nailed all three of his field goals and also converted an extra point on Carolina’s only touchdown of the day. If he keeps this up throughout the remainder of 2021, it might see the Panthers lock him down to a contract extension next spring.

And nobody saw that coming.