3 Carolina Panthers players that must improve in Week 9 at Bengals

Eddie Pineiro – Carolina Panthers K

Eddie Pineiro had his worst game as a pro against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. Something the kicker won’t want to dwell on for too long if he wants to see out his current contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Pineiro had a chance to win the game with a 48-yard extra point attempt and missed wide left. He was given another shot to in overtime after cornerback C.J. Henderson intercepted Marcus Mariota and had a big return.

The Panthers strategically ran the ball for three consecutive plays to get closer to the goal line and to get the ball centered for Pineiro. But it didn’t make a difference as the former Florida product went wide left with his effort.

Steve Wilks had his kicker’s back on Monday during his press conference. The players also rallied around Pineiro in the hope this was nothing more than a blip in an otherwise productive season.

"“Eddy Pineiro is still a major part of this team. One guy did not lose this football game. Right now we have no plans to bring in other kickers.”"

Pineiro had only missed one kick in the team’s first seven games. He will look to bounce back in Week 9 and it would be nice to see him make an early attempt to get his confidence rolling.

Kicking at the Cincinnati Bengals isn’t easy given the usual weather conditions. Something else Pineiro has to counteract with composure and efficiency in equal measure.