When the Panthers cut Olindo Mare earlier this week, they were solid on the guy they kept instead, Justin Medlock.
In part because of Medlock’s strong leg, General Manager Marty Hurney was quick to say they weren’t looking for others.
In his first chance, however, Medlock fell flat.
He missed a 50- and a 56-yarder in the second half of the loss at Pittsburgh, a troubling sign.
“The kid’s got a leg and he’s going to continue to work and he’ll make kicks for us. I believe that he will,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said, via the Charlotte Observer. “I’m pretty excited about what he can give us as far as the distance with his leg.”
“The good thing is it happened now. I’ve just got to figure it out,” Medlock said. “I was hoping for that situation, and I’m hoping for it again.”
The Panthers used to have a stable kicking situation with John Kasay for 15 years. But when he couldn’t kick off anymore, they cut him for Mare, an expensive and ridiculous one-year rental. And now they’ve cast their lot with Medlock, a cheaper alternative, but one who hasn’t proven that he’s any better than the guy they just cut.