5 major observations from Day 2 of Panthers 2022 mandatory minicamp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers kicker in midseason form
It was hard not to be affected by the stifling heat surrounding the Carolinas on Wednesday. Practicing was far from ideal, but the coaching staff gave kicker Zane Gonzalez an opportunity to cut the session short providing he nailed a long-range attempt under the spotlight.
According to Carolina Panthers reporter Darin Gantt, Gonzalez sprinted 50-yards to warm himself up before the kick, which represented a more typical gameday setting in readiness for the upcoming campaign.
Zane Gonzalez has never been more popular. Hit a long field goal to cut the last period off the end of the hottest practice of the year.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) June 15, 2022
Responds well to pressure.
As was the case throughout last season before Gonzalez’s time on the field ended prematurely through injury, he drilled a 56-yard effort straight through the uprights, which sparked jubilant scenes from his teammates who got out of the tropical climate ahead of time.
This might not sound like much, but it’s further proof that the Panthers now have a stable presence at the kicking position. Something that was seldom seen before Gonzalez’s arrival after Carolina opted to release Graham Gano.
Gonzalez hit 17-straight field goals in 2021 and was deservedly rewarded with a new deal this offseason. The life of a kicker is often turbulent and things can change in the blink of an eye, but the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge that the former seventh-round pick is already in midseason form in pursuit of continuing his positive recent momentum.