Carolina Panthers coach Canales values special teamers

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales emphasizes special teams as an important phase of football, where a play can turn field position or flip momentum.

As a senior for Azusa Pacific in 2003, David Canales’ special teams duty produced one of his favorite football moments.  

Lining up next to his brother Coba, a sophomore who transferred to the NAIA program from the University of Pennsylvania, the future Carolina Panthers coach couldn’t recall the result of the kickoff, but the memory remains.  

“Just like we were at the park (as) kids running down trying to blow stuff up,” Canales said with a grin. “Being able to be on kickoff cover was crazy. That was probably the highlight of my sports career.” 

The family bond could be seen as a significant statement, considering Canales was an assistant quarterbacks/offensive quality control coach during the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl championship run in 2014. 

Continuing to value his on-field experiences while rising through the NFL coaching ranks, Canales remains partial to the unique contributions special teamers provide. 

Following the Week 1 defensive debacle against Chicago, Canales highlighted the effort of reserve tight end Feleipe Franks during the 59-37 loss to the Bears on Sept. 13. With 2:35 remaining in the first half, Franks rambled downfield, covering what amounted to an in sequential kickoff. Except for Franks, a special teams ace, the effort meant something.  

Kick returner Josh Blackwell logged 20 yards before enduring an abrupt end when Franks and teammate Jeremiah Moon aggressively upended him. 

Canales appreciated their professional pride. 

“Even late in the game, as things were getting out of hand, Franks runs down the field, avoids (a blocker) and (makes) just this beautiful, beautiful play,” Canales said. “That’s the type of style of football that I love." 

Canales appreciates special teams 

At Monday’s press conference, a day after the Panthers rebounded with a resounding Week 2 win at Atlanta, Canales headlined the special teams. 

“Complimentary football,” he said, per Panthers.com. “That’s what it’s all about.” 

Despite quarterback Bryce Young generating a series of explosive plays and inside linebacker Devin Lloyd delivering a historical performance in the 34-3 win, Canales elected to pinpoint the often-overlooked special teamers.   
In 14 kickoffs this season, the Panthers ranked second in return average (20.5 yards) with five touchbacks, according to NFL.com. The punting unit placed three of seven chances inside their opponents’ 20-yard line.  

Special teams’ success starts with attitude, Claudin Cherelus declared.  

“For sure,” Cherelus said. “It's often overlooked, but I think special teams is really the staple piece for offense and defense. You gotta start the game with special teams play and come out of the half with the special teams play. Just the energy it brings. 

“For example, you get a kick, you go on kickoff and you tackle it inside the 25 or something like that. That’s a crazy momentum shift. You go on kick return, and you get a big return past the 40, offense has got good field position. People don’t realize how big it is.” 

Canales credited the special teams for providing a significant “hidden yardage” advantage against the Falcons (0-2).  

“I think it was 220 yards difference from the start of the drives,” he said.  

‘Takes a special mindset’   

Despite the Week 1 blowout at Bank of America Stadium, Franks and Moon competed. Franks worked his way through a block, while Moon created an opportunity from the other side. They met at the ball carrier. 

So, who got there first? 

“I don't know,” Moon said. “I feel like it was at the same time. That's what I'm gonna say.” 

Special teams are generally populated with specialists, backups and prospects. With new rules and constant changes, not everyone fully appreciates the mentality special teamers possess. 

“I think it takes a special mindset to get down there and go make a tackle 50, 60 yards down the field,” Franks said. “But you got to embrace it. I enjoy it. I love it.” 

One special teams void appears to be taken over by WR2 Jalen Coker. After Jimmy Horn Jr. was released after a Week 1 fumble, Coker returned two punts against Atlanta, including a 36-yarder. John Metchie III, who replaced Horn on the 53-man roster, averaged 26.5 yards off two kick returns. 

The Panthers’ kickoff coverage unit yielded 79 yards on four attempts, while yielding just seven punt return yards. 

“We’ve got a great group of special teams guys,” Moon said. “I think we compete with each other every day. Everybody’s trying to make the tackle. Everybody’s trying to make the play.  We got a lot of guys that are hungry.” 
 

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