Carolina Panthers Preseason Report Card
By Luke Tucker
Secondary: A
At the beginning of training camp, the Panthers’ secondary was one of the team’s biggest unknowns. Fortunately, Javien Elliott emerged as the favorite for the starting nickel spot, and Tre Boston was signed to play free safety. Carolina gave up only two touchdown passes in the preseason, while also picking off two passes. James Bradberry and Donte Jackson both looked good in camp, as well as in preseason action. Rashaan Gaulden played well with the second team, and Ross Cockrell’s return was as inspiring as it was impressive. Look for the secondary to have the same swagger it did back in 2015.
Special Teams: A++
Joey Slye, Joey Slye, Joey Slye. A guy who was originally signed as a player to give Graham Gano “a break,” as coaches put it, has absolutely seized his opportunity as an NFL kicker. Slye made 7 of 8 field goals, including 3 of 3 from beyond 50 yards. Slye’s feel-good story was given an exclamation point Thursday night, as he drilled a 59-yarder with plenty of leg to spare en route to making the 53-man roster. In terms of punting, Carolina ranked fifth in average yards per punt, punctuated by Mike Palardy’s 73-yard boot against Buffalo. As far as the return game goes, Bonnafon performed well when given a chance, and with Gano on IR, it probably makes him the team’s starting kicker moving forward.