It was pretty obvious why the Panthers are giving Rhys Lloyd a chance to make the team as a kickoff specialist: When Lloyd did what he does best in Carolina’s preseason exhibition opener against Indianapolis at Bank Of America Stadium – that is, pound the ball deep and out of play – the Colts were forced into touchbacks and starting their drives in poor field position at the 20.

But when Colts kick returner T.J. Rushing got his hands on the ball and was able to return it, the Panthers’ problems from last season, when they were one of the NFL’s least effective teams on kickoffs, resurfaced.

Lloyd opened the game by booting the ball into the end zone and out of bounds for a touchback.

After a quick Panthers touchdown, Lloyd’s second kick flew through the end zone, hitting the wall that sits about 5 yards behind.

His third was caught by Rushing 9 yards into the end zone, who downed the ball for another touchback.

Then came some problems.

Rushing caught Lloyd’s fourth kick 7 yards deep in the end zone and returned it 42 yards to the 35. Lloyd’s fifth kick was taken at the 1 by Rushing, who returned it 39 yards.

-- Panthers backup quarterback Matt Moore’s first pass to receiver Steve Smith in the first quarter sailed over the middle and just a bit over Smith’s head. The two came back on the next possession with the same play – this one clicking for a 19-yard completion.

-- The Colts’ Kentucky connection was impressive in the first half. Indianapolis’s two former Wildcats players – third-string quarterback Jared Lorenzen and rookie receiver Nathan Tamme – hooked up for five completions for 57 yards and two touchdowns.

-- Colts rookie center Steve Justice, a former Wake Forest All-American, should be a good bet to make the team. Justice, taken in the sixth round of April’s NFL draft is playing behind Jeff Saturday, a former North Carolina player.

-- Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who is recovering from knee surgery, missed the game. Manning stayed behind in Indianapolis and has missed just two preseason games in his career -- Saturday’s and last week’s opener against Washington.

-- On the inactive list for the Panthers: WR Ryne Robinson; WR D.J. Hackett; CB Chris Gamble; CB Ken Lucas; RB Jonathan Stewart; S Chris Harris; LB Jon Beason; OT Rueben Riley; TE Gary Barnidge; TE Chris Conklin; TE Dante Rosario; DT Ian Scott.

Observations

-- Lorenzen might weigh 285 pounds (yes, 285 pounds), but his 24-yard run in the second quarter showed he has some speed and is extremely nimble on his feet. For his size, that is.

-- Bank Of America Stadium’s new, larger scoreboards – featuring much bigger TV replay screens – are impressive. The quality of the picture is great, especially at night.

-- Dwayne Jarrett, who struggled last season as a rookie, didn’t struggle Saturday. Jarrett caught three passes for 43 yards, all of them in traffic. Jarrett even recovered a fumble by teammate Travis Taylor in the third quarter. Jarrett limped off the field a few plays later, though, after he took a hit to the knee. Jarrett appeared to be OK, though. -- David Scott

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