Panthers depth chart focus: Special teams set to dominate?
By Luke Gray
What can the Carolina Panthers expect from what is arguably the most improved unit on the team ahead of the 2022 season?
The Carolina Panthers underwent a significant overhaul from top to bottom on their special teams unit this offseason. Chase Blackburn, one of the last survivors of the Ron Rivera era, was unsurprisingly relieved of his duties after another troubling campaign and playing personnel also got a makeover in the hope things can turn around in 2022.
At kicker last season we saw the Panthers try Joey Slye and Ryan Santoso before settling on Zane Gonzalez. And who can forget versatile wide receiver Brandon Zylstra trying his leg as an emergency kicker late in the campaign?
The revolving door even continued at the punter position. Second-year starter Joseph Charlton was placed on the reserve/injured list before his eventual release and the Panthers settled on Australian Lachlan Edwards, who is no longer around.
The pressure is on this unit to perform.
With the Panthers’ progression on offense still unknown, having a special teams group that can pin the opposition or kick long field goals is important. This is something Carolina has struggled to do in recent memory.
Without further ado, let’s get into another depth chart focus piece on the Panthers’ special teams unit.