Sick Goodson TD run(pics)

[Novar]

There is more to special teams than returning kicks. For the record though, Steve Smith did awesome in his returns...which is technically a special teams area.

I am concerned with the blocking on kickoff returns, if we did a decent job every time, on punt return blocking, smith would have made a better impact, but as a fan that watched every snap this season, I saw need for improvement

[nolatiger]

He was hired by the Packers

When did that happen? I don't remember hearing anything about it, and I can't find any info online.

Edit: According to Packers.com, Mike Stock was named Special Teams Coordinator on January 16.

http://www.packers.com/news/releases/2006/01/19/2/

[nolatiger]

I am concerned with the blocking on kickoff returns, if we did a decent job every time, on punt return blocking, smith would have made a better impact, but as a fan that watched every snap this season, I saw need for improvement

Smith was in the top five in the league in punt returns. While there may be room for improvement, it wasn't like they did poorly. It was Crossman's first year as the special teams coordinator, and I think he did a pretty damn good job. He also was dealing with a new (and by most accounts, below average) punter. He certainly deserves some of the credit for Jason Baker's success this season.

According to footballoutsiders.com, we ranked seventh in the league on special teams. We were 25th in 2004, 16th in 2003, 14th in 2002, 3rd in 2001, and 11th in 2000. Keep in mind, 2001 was Steve Smith's rookie year (when he was a dedicated kick returner).

I don't think things are nearly as bad as you think.

[yesyoucan]

Actually I think they are replacing the Ferrario or whatever the hell his name was since he became the ST coach for the Vikings

[nolatiger]

Actually I think they are replacing the Ferrario or whatever the hell his name was since he became the ST coach for the Vikings

That is what I am thinking. That is the only opening I know of on the Panthers coaching staff, and the secondary title is Special Teams Assistant (the actual position is strength and conditioning).

[nolatiger]

Darin Gantt just sent me an email, and he has confirmed what I thought. He is going to be the Strength and Conditioning Coach (and Crossman's assistant on special teams).

Crossman is still our Special Teams coach.

[Veron314]

I stand corrected.

[Daniel Wheeler]

this whole thing worried a bit when i first red "Levine hired by Panthers..." my first instinct was John Levine, the HC at South Point HS who coached Koren Robinson and all...if any of that makes sense

[Agully]

Hopefully this won't interrupt Mistake Free Special teams. Nothing is more frustrating to see a blocked punt or field goal, bad long snap, or awful punt coverage.

[milwnfl71]

does darin gantt have an account on here?

[nolatiger]

does darin gantt have an account on here?

I don't think so, but I'm pretty sure he views the board on occasion. Regardless, he is the best Panthers reporter around.

By the way, he posted about this issue on his blog...

http://community.heraldonline.com/?q=blog/darin

[atj00]

Interesting. I enjoy his perspectives on most things, he really ought to be writing for somewhere bigger, IMO he's twice the anlyst people like Pastabelly and Michael Smith are.

[nolatiger]

Interesting. I enjoy his perspectives on most things, he really ought to be writing for somewhere bigger, IMO he's twice the anlyst people like Pastabelly and Michael Smith are.

I don't know how much he makes from The Herald, but I'm sure it's probably less than the Charlotte Observer. He's better individually than every Panthers reporter they have.

[atj00]

I agree.