The Panthers finished out their 2019 preseason schedule with a 25-19 win at home over the Steelers.
Here are four takeaways from Carolina’s last preseason game of the year.
Joey Slye is the man
The kicker controversy is over and we have a winner.
Joye Slye’s first field goal attempt of the evening was blocked, which was his first miss of the preseason through no fault of his own.
In the second quarter, Slye proved that he has about as much range as any kicker in football by nailing a 59-yarder that looked like it would have been good from 69.
Nice.
With Graham Gano’s knee still bothering him, it’s pretty clear the Panthers’ only logical option is to start Slye at kicker once the season begins. Gano may begin the year on injured reserve or be put on the trading block.
Will Grier is a work in progress
We saw a lot of third-round pick Will Grier tonight. We saw the good, the bad, the ugly and a bit of everything in-between.
Grier committed another costly penalty in the first quarter. It wasn’t an interception this time, either. Grier showed some bad ball security and coughed up a fumble, leading to a long touchdown for Pittsburgh’s defense.
He also threw a brilliant 34-yard touchdown pass to Aldrick Robinson, displaying some of that long ball touch we have heard so much about. However, Grier came back on the next drive and threw another awful interception, which lead to a Steelers touchdown just before halftime.
Grier finished the game 11/18 for 189 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 92.1 passer rating. He was sacked four times.
The Panthers have to hope Grier learns a lot at practice over the next year and that he comes back stronger next August.
Carolina’s edge rotation is deep
First-round pick Brian Burns has rightfully gotten a lot of attention for his play this preseason. Tonight, some other young pass rushers showed up.
Efe Obada and Marquis Haynes both had strong games, providing consistent pressure off the edge. Haynes posted two sacks, bringing his preseason total to four. Obada had a tackle for a loss and helped generate a few others. Assuming the starters Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin can stay healthy, this should prove to be a very deep and talented edge rotation.
Linebacker Andre Smith was also effective getting after the quarterback, posting two sacks of his own.
DeAndrew White had a breakout performance
Finally, the big breakout star of the evening was wide receiver DeAndrew White, who flashed enough times to earn himself a place on Carolina’s practice squad, if not on the roster of another NFL team. White finished the game with four catches for a game-high 94 receiving yards.
This is exactly the kind of performance that the fourth preseason game is all about. White was highly unlikely to make the Panthers’ 53-man roster, but he probably earned himself a job.
