September 9, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Joe Adams (15) runs during the kick off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

People often overlook the importance of special teams, but when your offense and defense are sputtering, special teams can make all the difference. Field position, missed points, it all comes from special teams. We Panthers fans know just how true this can be as we’ve watched time and time again as our opponents take off down the sideline for another punt return or kick return TD. Likewise, we haven’t seen those big plays come from our own special teams returners and it often results in poor starting field position, or even turnovers if you’re last name is Edwards or Adams. But if you look at teams like the San Francisco 49ers you’ll see just how big a role special teams plays. Last year the Niners had one of the best punter and kicker combinations in the league which took them to the brink of the Super Bowl, and they seemed to be in control until a costly fumbled punt return gave the ball back to Eli, who did what he does best.

The Panthers have had their share of coverage and return issues and as a result fired Special Teams coordinator Brian Murphy, making way for Coach Rivera’s former team mate at Cal, Richard Rodgers. Rodgers was hired over the past offseason as an assistant to Murphy but with no improvements, changes were necessary. Rodgers looks to keep things simple with a “Controlled. Intense. Aggressive.” approach that should help contain opponents and give our defense a better chance to make stops deep in opponent territory.

In other news, Armanti Edwards’s injury coupled with the loss of Pilares makes room for rookie Joe Adams to make up for lost fumbles earlier in the season. We’ve all seen what Adams can do on returns, just search Joe Adams punt on Youtube and see what he did against Tennessee. That video alone has over 350,000 views (and can be viewed below). We need to control the field position battle much better if we are going to stand a chance while our offense and defense continue to work out their own issues. At least this gives us a fighting chance.

This weekend the Panthers play conference rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I will be at Bank of America Stadium again this weekend, and I’m just ecstatic. Not only do I have a gut feeling that the Panthers have a shot at winning, I have a gut feeling that they might actually win this matchup. I don’t know what it is that makes me feel like we’re going to win, I just do. The Panthers will see their revenge though, and hopefully embarrass the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A few things happened over the past week that could affect the Panthers coming into this matchup. We all know that Special Teams Coordinator Brian Murphy was fired this week, and his assistant will be replacing him for the time being. Besides the firing of Brian Murphy, a few things also happened as well. The Panthers signed veteran Offensive Lineman Jeremy Bridges. Bridges was a former Panther who was let go a few seasons back, but has now returned to bring support to our struggling O-Line. As the time seems right for Bridges, it doesn’t seem to be panning out that way for fourth string Wide Receiver Armanti Edwards. Edwards sat out during Thursday’s practice with a groin injury he suffered during the previous day’s practice.

Jun 1, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers wide receiver Joe Adams walks to the practice field for organized training activities at the team

Though it’s terrible for Armanti to injure himself after he just now started getting more playing time, it opens a gate for unproven rookie wide out Joe Adams. Adams, who has sat every game since he fumbled the ball twice against the New York Giants in week three, might get his chance to redeem himself against the Buccaneers, if Armanti’s injury is more serious than coaches currently believe. Ron Rivera told the Official Panthers website that, “I have really tried to pay close attention to (Joe), and he’s doing a lot of work, he’s put his nose to the grindstone,” Rivera said. “He’s stayed after practice and he’s been very diligent catching (punts).” Armanti handled the kickoff returns and not the punt returns, but his absence would open up room for Joe. As for the kickoff returns David Gettis and Adams will both be considered if Armanti is out for the game.

That’s great news for the young receiver whose chances are going to be few and far between in the first half of this season. I personally cannot wait for the game this weekend, a game where we should see more action through the air, since the Buccaneers have the worst Pass Defense in the league. Fantasy owners, start Brandon LaFell…

Go Panthers!!!

(more…)