PANTHERS 'SPECIAL TEAMS' STANDOUTS -- SAM FRANKLIN

Along with the necessity for 'making and managing' a roster, comes the responsibility for building the "third leg" of the team. Like a 'milking stool', a NFL team has three legs that support the process. Along with the Offense and the Defense, there is a requirement for a "third leg". That supporting cast makes up "Special Teams".

Recently, Brian Baldinger (NFL Network) made a statement about ST players that requires a second look/listen. After studying film "covering punts & kicks" all year (supposedly last year..), Baldinger announced that Sam Franklin was the best Gunner he had seen all season. Baldinger said "Something special about being the very best at what you do."  

Panther Punter, Johnny Hecker, wins the award for 'announcement in a supporting role' by seconding Baldinger's declaration.  See both statements here along with some film clips that will make you a believer. Franklin takes on a Double Team, splits them, gets forced OOB, forcing a "holding" call, gets back "in" and then downfield in time to make a stop on the returner. There's another clip there too...

@BaldyNFL #BaldysBreakdowns:  Brian Baldinger on ST Gunner Sam Franklin

It's enough to make a believer out of you...

He’s an important piece to the team. For sure. A lock for roster. He’s also a decent s.