5 big talking points from the Panthers win at the Falcons in Week 8
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers have found a long-term kicking option
This has been one of the real bright sparks of the recent losing streak. The play of kicker Zane Gonzalez.
Gonzalez struggled in his Carolina Panthers debut and was probably saved by the short week they had before Thursday Night Football at the Houston Texans.
Since then the former Arizona Cardinal has gone from strength to strength. This culminated on Sunday with Gonzalez going a perfect 4/4 on field goals including a new career-long of 57 yards.
Another bonus for Gonzalez has been his improvements on kick-offs with the Atlanta Falcons returning just a single kickoff despite questions about his leg strength coming into the organization.
With the Panthers already going through kickers Joey Slye and Ryan Santoso, the kicker was the last place we expected stability in Carolina this season. But it seems Gonzalez has solidified that position till at least the end of the season.
We know kicking is a week-by-week business. However, if Gonzalez can solidify his position as the season progresses this is one position the Panthers won’t need to worry about in the offseason.