There are almost countless elements that go into who wins and who loses any given football game. Some of them can fly under the radar, especially as so much of the conversation is dominated by quarterbacks and offense.
And one of those overlooked advantages this season currently belongs to the Carolina Panthers
, who are better than any other team in the NFL at one underrated part of the game so far.According to the numbers, Carolina's opponents are beginning their drives at their own 26.9 yard line—which is the worst average starting field position in the league this year.
Kickoff Coverage through Week 4
— SFdata9ers🏈📊 (@sfdata9ers) October 7, 2026
1. CAR
2. DAL
3. TB & DET
...
30. LAR
31. TEN
32. MIA pic.twitter.com/2JQetlR4fz
The Panthers had similar success early last season, when they
tried funky squib kicks—or "dirty" kickoffs—aimed directly at returners. Those have since been phased out as teams adjusted, but they're still No. 1 in the league in this department.
Credit should go to special teams coordinator Tracy Smith, as well as the kickoff coverage unit and second-year kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. On kickoffs, he's averaging 62.0 yards per attempt, tied with several other kickers for fourth-highest in the league.
On the scoring side, Fitzgerald has made all nine of his field goal attempts. The only blemish is his three missed extra point attempts, two of which came in Sunday night's win over the Detroit Lions.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers leading NFL in underrated element on special teams
