Carolina Panthers 2018 full season performance: Defense & special teams
Special Teams: 79, C+
B- vs. Cowboys, B at Falcons, A vs. Bengals, A+ vs. Giants
F at Redskins, F at Eagles, A vs. Ravens, A vs. Buccaneers
D at Steelers, F at Lions, F vs. Seahawks, C at Buccaneers
B- at Browns, C- vs. Saints, A vs. Falcons, B at Saints
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The Panthers special teams followed along the same lines as much of the team this season. There were highs, with Gano nailing a career long field goal for the win over New York – and lows, as penalties and missed kicks resulted in games being lost.
Gano mysteriously appeared on the injury report late in the year and after not missing any time during the games for which he was active, wound up missing the Panthers final stretch.
Chandler Catanzaro was signed and although he too missed an extra point, made each of his field goal attempts and performed well on kickoff. If the Panthers elect to bring him back, he could provide some competition for Gano moving forward.
Michael Palardy was solid all year punting the football and the return game for Carolina showed signs of life this season. After a revolving door of candidates in 2017, the Panthers appear set with Kenjon Barner, Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore and Damiere Byrd (if healthy) going into next season.
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There is definite work to be done on the defensive side of the football. More coaching changes, uncertain futures and replacements should any of the aging core leave or retire will all be answered as the offseason progresses.