4 critical observations from Panthers’ gut-wrenching loss at Falcons
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers’ kicking woes returned
The Carolina Panthers seem to always be cursed by kicking issues at the worst time.
Who can forget back in 2003 when legend John Kasay kicked off out of bounds in the Super Bowl, giving Tom Brady and the New England Patriots a short field allowing them to win the game late?
We saw that curse strike again Sunday after P.J. Walker threw a laser to D.J. Moore to tie the game with 12 seconds remaining. But Eddy Pineiro was forced into a 48-yard extra point after a controversial flag on the wide receiver.
Fans were right to be confident in Pineiro as before this game he had missed just a single field goal. Unfortunately, the former Florida star hooked his kicked left sending the game into overtime.
Pineiro had another chance with a chip shot from 33 yards to win the game. This was a shocking attempt.
As soon as the effort left Pineiro’s boot, it was flying left as the Panthers’ kicker missed again.
Post-game, interim head coach Steve Wilks said very little when asked if the Panthers would look to bring in any more kickers. Pineiro himself said he had “no excuses” and that he just simply had to make the kick.
Moving forward it would be harsh for Carolina to move on from Pineiro, who up until yesterday had been practically automatic. However, if we see another similar performance in Week 9, Carolina might be forced into drastic action.