5 reasons for Carolina Panthers fans to be optimistic through Week 5
By Dean Jones
What are some reasons for Carolina Panthers fans to be optimistic through Week 5 of the 2021 season?
It’s been all doom and gloom on social media over the last few days following another disappointing defeat for the Carolina Panthers. Sunday’s loss against the Philadelphia Eagles saw some ongoing frustrations come to the fore – not for the first time – which has seen the optimism surrounding Matt Rhule’s men and their chances of playoff football in 2021 completely disintegrate.
This is going to get even more toxic if the Panthers cannot get themselves a win at home to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6. Something that’s no guarantee judging by the latest odds from WynnBET which now has it as a “pick ’em” game with a level spread.
Carolina’s recent moves in the trade market and the statements from Rhule and Scott Fitterer mean expectations have risen. Even though this is only Year 2 of a pretty substantial rebuild.
That’s a problem they brought on themselves. But even though the mood is dull at the moment, here are five reasons to be optimistic about Carolina moving forward.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers might finally have a kicker
It’s been a long road. But the Carolina Panthers might now have a kicker after a couple of decent performances from Zane Gonzalez.
The free-agent signing came in after the Panthers gave up on Ryan Santoso after just one game. After a difficult first contest, Gonzalez has bounced back impressively and could be Carolina’s long-term answer at the position if everything continues.
Of course, the fortunes of a kicker could change in the blink of an eye. One only has to look at the number of missed kicks across the league in Week 5 to see that.
However, the way Gonzalez responded to initial adversity should be commended and will no doubt stand him in good stead for the remaining 12 games.