The Carolina Panthers’ season hasn’t flipped because of one magic fix, one superstar arrival, or one schematic overhaul. Their sudden rise from a shaky start to a genuine NFC playoff threat has come from something far simpler.
Carolina found a rookie kicker who changes outcomes. A weapon that swings winning margins. A first-year pro with the coldest pulse on the roster. And his name is Ryan Fitzgerald.
Their overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons was another example of how much Fitzgerald has already changed what the Panthers can be. His 29-yarder before halftime kept them within striking distance.