4 critical observations from the Panthers success vs. Saints in Week 3

Chris Tabor has revitalized Carolina Panthers’ special teams

Under the previous coordinator Chase Blackburn, the Carolina Panthers’ special teams unit was always a cause for concern. Head coach Matt Rhule was praised in the offseason for hiring former Chris Tabor and so far this appointment seems to be paying off.

Special teams completely dominated in all facets of the game against the New Orleans Saints. We saw Eddy Piniero continue his fairytale start with three more field goals to stay perfect, moving the former Florida star to seven-for-seven.

Piniero previously worked with Tabor during their time on the Chicago Bears and has alleviated any concerns Panthers’ may have had when starter Zane Gonzalez’s season was ended by injury in the preseason.

The special teams unit made key plays throughout. With the first half winding down, Saints kicker Will Lutz had a 30-yard chip shot to get them within 10, but Henry Anderson blocked the kick stunting New Orleans’ momentum to maintain momentum at the perfect time.

The Panthers also had some juice on kick returns Chuba Hubbard was relieved of these duties following his fumble at the New York Giants, but Laviska Shenault Jr. looked the part with 54 return yards on two attempts.

For an area of the field that’s often been a weak link, this represents a huge positive for the Panthers. And that’s not counting the elite punting of Johnny Hekker, who was outstanding in Week 3.