Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Panthers' not-so special teams hurt by injuries and missed tackles....

AKPantherFan

By AKPantherFan,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

AKPantherFan Apprentice

AKPantherFan

Posted
Posted

By Charles Chandler

McClatchy Newspapers

(MCT)

So far, there's very little special about the Carolina Panthers' special teams, especially the punting unit.

During the team's 0-2 start, the Panthers have given up an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown and had a punt blocked. All other NFL teams have combined to surrender one of each.

Carolina gave up kickoff returns of 29 and 41 yards in last Sunday's loss at Atlanta.

There have been missed tackles and blown assignments aplenty.

The Panthers rank last (32nd) in the league defending punt returns and are 31st in kickoff return defense.

Punter Jason Baker leads the league with a 54.8-yard gross average, but is last in net average (21.3). He's the only punter in the league without a kick downed inside the opponents' 20-yard line. His two opportunities in the season opener against Philadelphia resulted in touchbacks.

Special teams coach Danny Crossman was on the practice field working overtime with his troops Thursday after most of the other players had headed to the locker room.

Crossman said the special teams are both "evolving and revolving."

His units have been in a state of flux due to roster depletions from last season and injuries this season.

Nick Goings and Donte Curry played on all four phases of kickoff and punt units last season, but are no longer on the team.

Safeties Nate Salley and Quinton Teal, and cornerback Richard Marshall also worked on all the kickoff and punt teams in '08. However, Salley is on injured reserve, Teal has had to fill in as a starting safety for injured Chris Harris and has become a part-timer on special teams, and Marshall is only on the kickoff team because he's starting at safety.

Veteran long snapper Jason Kyle was replaced by previously inexperienced J.J. Jansen.

Other newcomers include rookies Captain Munnerlyn and Tony Fiammetta.

Second-year tight end Gary Barnidge is also new to the punt team and was the player who didn't pick up the outside rusher (Atlanta's Brian Williams) who blocked Baker's punt in the first quarter of last Sunday's game.

It was the Falcons' first blocked punt since the final game of the 2004 season_a span of 65 consecutive games.

The Panthers' special teams also lost the services of fullback Brad Hoover as Baker's personal protector during the Atlanta game due to a back injury. Linebacker Thomas Davis filled in for Hoover, who didn't practice Thursday and is uncertain for Monday night's game at Dallas.

"I don't know if we've had what we thought would be (our) unit out there yet because of injuries and other things," said Crossman. "Like everybody is this time of year who has injuries, we're still a work in progress."

Head coach John Fox said Thursday he's not ready to make any judgments about the special teams.

"You don't assess when you come out of the blocks," he said. "We've only played two games."

There are some positives. Veteran kicker John Kasay is 3-for-3 on field goal attempts and has made all three of his extra-point kicks.

Munnerlyn ranks seventh in the league in punt returns with a 12.5-yard average and rookie Mike Goodson is tied for 15th in kickoff returns (24.0).

Overall, however, the frequent shuffling on special teams has taken a toll. Crossman said he equates the importance of personnel continuity on special teams to that of the offensive line and defensive secondary.

"It's a complicated and tricky thing, and a lot of stuff goes on, but when it comes right down to the end of it, it's blocking and tackling. When you don't do those things, you're going to be in trouble."

Crossman said he has a responsibility to coach better regardless of the circumstances.

more.... http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/sep/24/bc-fbn-panthers-specialch-_-sports-650-words/?sports&nfl

Link to comment
Share on other sites
weyco2000 Mentor

weyco2000

Posted
Posted

"It's a complicated and tricky thing, and a lot of stuff goes on, but when it comes right down to the end of it, it's blocking and tackling. When you don't do those things, you're going to be in trouble."

What a quote, isn't that why we have training camp and 4 preseason games? I'm still wondering why we didnt put Smitty back for the last punt, if you saw him on the sideline he grabbed his helmet and was ready. I agree I think Baker and Kasay are performing well so far. The problem with the kickers is we have 1 too many, yeah I'm calling you out Llyod, with all the injuries at DT can we really afford to give up a roster spot. You need kamikaze warriors on special teams and we dont have any. By the way great thread AKPantherFan, nice research! Take some Rep. my man.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SCP Enthusiast

SCP

Posted
Posted

Head coach John Fox said Thursday he's not ready to make any judgments about the special teams.

"You don't assess when you come out of the blocks," he said. "We've only played two games."

This kind of quote is really starting to irritate me. I have always been a Fox backer, but his stuff is becoming nonsense. I heard on the radio this morning that he was quoted as saying "there is nothing wrong with our pass defense." What f*cking team is he watching?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

This kind of quote is really starting to irritate me. I have always been a Fox backer, but his stuff is becoming nonsense. I heard on the radio this morning that he was quoted as saying "there is nothing wrong with our pass defense." What f*cking team is he watching?

I heard that too. Denial is a river in Africa...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SCP Enthusiast

SCP

Posted
Posted

First it was "only the preseason".

Now it's "only been two games".

Fox has some nerve to keep throwing these bullshit remarks out there. I sure as hell hope his message to the team is different. Their play leads me to believe the message is the same though.

I'm just waiting for the "it's only the 8th game of the season" comment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jramsey4 Newbie

jramsey4

Posted
Posted

First it was "only the preseason".

Now it's "only been two games".

Fox has some nerve to keep throwing these bullshit remarks out there. I sure as hell hope his message to the team is different. Their play leads me to believe the message is the same though.

I'm just waiting for the "it's only the 8th game of the season" comment.

Nope next one will be "It's only one season" then he brings up there success in 08. I don't think he will be our HC for much longer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • ladypanther
      The Carolina Huddle

      By ladypanther · Posted

      Wanted to jump into this thread. Although I do not post anymore I do look in as there are a few old friends around. Loved hearing some of the names you mentioned.  Another  oldie is NanceUSMC.  He is the one who got me here from the old Observer forum.  Good guy and smart football guy. I have learned a lot from a lot of good Huddlers over the years, Over time. we have sadly lost a few who left this earth too soon.  Anyone who know of someone, it would be nice to try to make a list.  One of the more recent, CosmoGirl,  was someone that kind of hit hard.  Life sucks sometimes. Some of the best times were when we had our own tailgate and could meet up in person.  I think it made us better. Several dedicated volunteers, lead by LiverMush, started setting things up in the wee hours of each gameday morning.  Don't know all those regulars but I remember JakeFlake was one.  For you newbies...each game,  a Huddler (or a group) sponsored the food for each tailgate.  Eating was free but a donation was asked for.  At the end of the year those donations were used to buy bicycles for Toys for Tots.  Over the years Huddlers bought a lot of new bikes for kids for Christmas.  (I am guessing a couple of hundred each year.)  We had a good time getting together, got to make friends in person, and then got to feel like you were doing something good. It was truly a community. I got to meet Dan Morgan at one of our tailgates...he brought pizza from his restaurant.  How many of you remember that?  Glad the restaurant did not make it....lol. Not only have people changed, and come and gone.....but the entire nature and purpose has changed. Nothing lasts forever and we move on but we still like to think about good times. Same reason we take pictures. Want to ask a question I have not seen anyone else mention......who remembers    "The Couch" ?  We have argued, laughed, lived the ups and downs of football and dealt with a little real life along the way.  A thanks to  the Mods who keep this going.  I am sure they sacrifice a lot of their time out of love for the forum and the Panthers. Take care my friends and be well.  I will close with my new favorite quote which I think is greatly needed in these difficult times.        
    • Jay Roosevelt
      Favorite JAG 2020+

      By Jay Roosevelt · Posted

      My top-5 JAGS: 1. Tommy Tremble: May not ever be top-tier, but has been solid and you never doubt the effort. 2. Cade Mays: Not bad for a 6th rounder. Hated to see him go. 3. Brady Christensen: One of the most versatile backup OLs in the NFL. Hopefully we re-sign him. 4. Trevis Gipson: Quietly was really solid depth last season. Glad we brought him back. 5. Brycen Tremayne: Has been solid depth at WR, flashing at times last year.
    • t96
      Favorite JAG 2020+

      By t96 · Posted

      He wasn't a JAG, he's been a starter every year of his career. Didn't turn into the superstar it seemed like he might his rookie year, but I think part of that has been being misused. Guy was/is a baller.
×
×
  • Create New...