SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Joey Slye #46 of the Virginia Tech Hokies kicks the game-winning field goal out of the hold of Wright Bynum #89 against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on November 19, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Virginia Tech defeated Notre Dame 34-31.(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

It may not be with the Carolina Panthers, but kicker Joey Slye is making a strong case.

Connecting on field goals of 29, 42 and 55 yards Thursday night, kicker Joey Slye helped push the Carolina Panthers to a 23-13 victory over Chicago in the preseason opener. Filling in for Graham Gano, Slye was signed in order to allow the Panthers incumbent time to rest and prepare for the regular season.

His impressive debut was simply Slye taking advantage of the opportunity. Facing the Bears, who missed nearly a fourth of their field goal attempts last season including a heart breaker in the playoffs – Slye’s performance had to be especially intriguing.

Chicago carried two kickers of their own into the contest but after Eddy Pineiro missed his first opportunity, a 48-yard attempt, fans were quickly reminded about their recent struggles. Fortunately, Elliott Fry was able to split the uprights before halftime and the make drew a standing ovation from the home crowd.

Slye has bounced around since entering the league, attempting to find a landing spot in the NFL after his collegiate days at Virginia Tech but no one has yet to take a long-term chance. After battling then-rookie Harrison Butker for his position two years ago, Gano appears comfortably set for another year in Carolina but Slye could accumulate enough quality game film for a team in need.

His journey is inspiring and seeing Slye get an opportunity to kick during the regular season and be successful would provide a storybook ending. Depending on how much rest Gano requires, he could get a few more field goal attempts to convince a team with continued success.

The Bears got to witness his strong leg first hand and being as they are in need of a consistent kicker, Slye’s resume couldn’t have been submitted at a better time.