Special teams coverage can be taken for granted -- until it fails. Then comes the lamenting. A lull, then lamenting. It’s the cycle of special teams life.
The Panthers’ special teams coverage was a strength in 2012, and the club has moved to secure one of its key “teams” players for next season, agreeing to a contract with reserve linebacker Jordan Senn. The linebacker announced the move on Twitter on Wednesday, and Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer also confirmed Senn’s impending return.
Senn recorded 15 special teams tackles in 2012, per club statistics. He appeared in all 16 games and also notched nine tackles on defense.
The Panthers allowed fewer yards per kickoff return than any other club a season ago, and Carolina also placed a respectable 10th in opponent punt-return average. While the Panthers did allow a punt-return touchdown to the Broncos’ Trindon Holliday ... well, that wasn’t quite a TD, as it turned out.
The 28-year-old Senn entered the NFL as a undrafted free agent with the Colts in 2008. He signed with the Panthers the following year.