The State of Carolina's Special Teams

[UpstatePanther]

simple question: given Coach DeHaven's most unfortunate leave of absence, do you think the Panthers have still added enough ST talent to significantly improve the unit's performance this coming season?

in other words, can we overcome the loss of our special teams coach with the talent we've added this offseason?

[stankowalski]

Yes.  We were pretty bad last year.

[t96]

The new hire is by default better than Rodgers, not even taking into account the guys we've signed/drafted, so it will be better than last year's.

[joeyxfresco]

Anything is better than last year

[CarolinaNCSU]

With all the ST signings and supposed "aces" we could potentially have, combined with Rodgers being gone....I'd be shocked if we weren't a Top 10 ST unit this season. 

[panthers55]

It always comes down to players and coaches working together. Parnell seems capable and we definitely have the players. Hard to be worse than last year.

[Mr. Scot]

DeHaven reportedly gave all the info he'd already worked up to Purnell. And there's still plenty of time between now and the season.

I think it'll be okay.

[SurvivalSloth]

Hell, all of our offseason signings were special teams players. If we're not drastically improved this year, we're doomed.

[csx]

They seem to have put in place a significant number of improvements. We will have to wait to see if transfers to success.

[Mol3m4n]

We would be better without any ST coach over Rogers.

So I think we'll be fine.

[*FreeFua*]

With all the ST signings and supposed "aces" we could potentially have, combined with Rodgers being gone....I'd be shocked if we weren't a Top 10 ST unit this season.

They better be a top 10 special teams unit with the amount they've invested in this unit this offseason

[RealBitsOfPanther]

With the signings of ST guys this off season, I think it will be much improved. 

 

 

I mean it can't get much worse....can it? 

[@bonafidebanter]

The special teams can't help but improve from last years performance. Can't anywhere but up!

[Servant of Cthululelei]

God it feels like it's been so long since we've had a genuinely good Special Teams unit.  I expect us to be competent this year.  Maybe even above average.  But I just can't see us returning to the glory days where we had He Hate Me returning kicks for touchdowns and Kris Jenkins blocking game-winning extra point attempts with his elbow.