Chris Tabor has revitalized Carolina Panthers’ special teams unit
Of all the Carolina Panthers coaching hires this offseason, Chris Tabor is certainly in the running for the best so far. Under the previous coordinator Chase Blackburn, this was a poor unit, frequently struggling and it appears as if a change in approach is bringing about instant rewards.
We’ve seen a high level of kicking and punting so far as previously mentioned. But the Panthers deserve credit for their coverage on both kickoffs and punts.
This was evident on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The blocking concepts came to fruition as new return man Laviska Shenault Jr. took a kick off 36 yards to set the Panthers up for a score.
Carolina’s special teams unit even managed to block a field goal. Something they haven’t done in recent memory with defensive end Henry Anderson getting his hand up and stalling the Saints’ momentum heading into the half.
However, it was the reaction of Tabor that was the best part. A further indicator of the passion and drive he is bringing to the role.
They say a good special teams unit is responsible for possibly an extra 1-2 wins a year. From what we’ve seen from Tabor and his unit, this could be a core component of any future success that comes Carolina’s way.