North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers are preparing for their Week 8 game against the Denver Broncos, with special attention to how elevation affects the performance of their special teams. Long snapper JJ Jansen explained that in thinner air, such as that found in Denver, a football can travel farther and higher due to reduced air density.

Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith confirmed the impact of high altitude on kicks and punts, stating: "I worked in top of Utah for three years, had two games in Mexico City, played a game in Wyoming. Anything high altitude travels a little farther (and) harder to breathe."

Panthers punt and kick returner Raheem Blackshear has been focusing on film study this week to adapt to playing at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. "I've been in a lot of film study on the punter... Definitely, what Tracy is saying that you definitely get more out of the punts," he noted.

Blackshear acknowledged that Broncos punter Riley Dixon's kicks might have increased hang time due to the altitude: "From talking to (Tracy), (Broncos punter Riley Dixon) is going to be a couple extra seconds and it is (significant)."

Panthers punter Johnny Hekker could also benefit from longer hang times for his punts. During his previous experience playing in Denver with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, his average hang time increased significantly compared to other games that season.

To acclimate himself before Sunday's game, Blackshear plans an early arrival for pre-game warm-ups: "I'm definitely going to get out there early and catch punts... I plan on getting there maybe 3 to 4 hours before the game."

Despite these adjustments and considerations, Smith emphasized simplicity when dealing with longer kicks: "Oh, the same way you plan against any punter, kicker that kicks it farther than usual... Just back up a little bit."