USAT: Panthers Wire audio clip

USAT: Panthers Wire

Jan 21, 2022

The Carolina Panthers weren’t exactly cooking with a recipe for success on special teams entering the season. So, even despite some valiant individual efforts, what you’re about to see shouldn’t be much of a shock. - In this year’s edition of Rick Gosselin’s NFL Special Teams Rankings, the Panthers slotted in at 28th with a composite score of 428.5. By comparison, in a case of the lower the better, the No. 1 unit of the Baltimore Ravens scored out at 241.5. - Gosselin has been evaluating special teams and compiling his rankings for 43 seasons. His grading system is based off the production of a multitude of factors—returns, coverage, starting points, net punting, punts inside the 20-yard line, field goal percentage, extra point percentage, points allowed, blocks, takeaways, giveaways and penalties. - Again, the Panthers didn’t head into 2021 with the surest of plans on their unit. Not only did they cycle through three kickers all the way into Week 2, but it took them until the Friday before the season opener to announce their punt returner. - As a result of their less-than-stellar results, or as a result of head coach Matt Rhule trying to save his own hide, special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn was fired along with offensive line coach Pat Meyer and defensive line coach Frank Okam last Tuesday. - Regardless, the team did find a few gems in Zane Gonzalez and linebacker Frankie Luvu. Gonzalez, before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury during warmups in Week 15, booted through 20 of his 22 field goal attempts and 22 of his 23 extra points. And Luvu, for his special teams play, was the only Panther to receive any All-Pro votes on the campaign. - - RelatedChase Blackburn says goodbye to Panthers organization after firing - - RelatedDo Panthers have NFL's bleakest future? - - List - - Panthers tweet their thanks and goodbyes for 2021 season - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Panthers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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