Carolina Panthers’ situational superheroes could make a name when theirs is called

The Carolina Panthers have a Superman, Captain America and Batman in the persons of Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman.

But not everyone on the 53-man roster has a superhero persona. Some don’t even have nicknames, at least not recognizable by the public.

But for every Newton, Kuechly and Norman, there are lesser-known players who have played a part in the Panthers (16-1) reaching the NFC Championship Game.

Every team has them, and one or more of them will play pivotal roles Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals and in Super Bowl 50 if the Panthers make it there.

How many fans knew of Malcolm Butler before the Patriots cornerback won last year’s Super Bowl with his goal-line interception of Seattle’s Russell Wilson?

The Panthers have received plenty of big contributions from down-the-roster players throughout the season. The Observer looks at five of those unsung guys:

Long snapper J.J. Jansen

Why you should know him: Jansen has been the Panthers’ only snapper since 2009 after arriving from Green Bay via trade. He’s had one bad snap in 1,008 chances over that span – an errant punt snap in the 2010 opener against the Giants. The Notre Dame grad went to the Pro Bowl in 2013.

Why you might not: Snappers – even the good ones – as a rule are mostly anonymous. Jansen doesn’t make many tackles in punt coverage. But his 99.9 percent success rate snapping is his signature stat.

Likelihood to make big postseason impact: Low. If fans read Jansen’s name again in the next couple of weeks, it’s probably not a good thing. But his value to the team is extremely high as every extra point, field goal and punt during the postseason will be magnified.

Linebacker Ben Jacobs

Why you should know him: Jacobs is on the four main special teams units – punt, punt return, kickoff and kickoff return. He’s been with the team since 2013 after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State.

Why you might not: Jacobs is buried on the linebacker depth chart behind Kuechly and A.J. Klein. Even among special teams regulars, Jacobs’ eight tackles place him only in a tie for sixth. But coaches love his preparation and the toughness he brings to every special teams phase.

Likelihood to make big postseason impact: Moderate. Jacobs had a couple of big hits covering kicks during the regular season. A collision that jars the ball loose and produces a turnover could swing a close game.

Left guard Andrew Norwell

Why you should know him: Norwell has started 22 games over the past two seasons, including 13 this season (he missed three with a hamstring injury). Norwell is the offensive line’s resident screamer/yeller, but he backs it up. The former Ohio State standout blocked three defenders during Jonathan Stewart’s 59-yard run Sunday against Seattle.

Why you might not: Norwell hasn’t received as many as accolades as right guard Trai Turner, who earned a Pro Bowl berth this year in his second season. But Norwell was Pro Football Focus’ eighth-ranked guard this season among 82 qualified players.

Likelihood to make big postseason impact: Moderate. Norwell is a mauler in the run game, as evidenced by his work during Stewart’s run. His value probably won’t be seen unless you’re watching the coaches’ film. But if the Panthers run the ball well, Norwell will have played a big role.

Tight end Ed Dickson

Why you should know him: Dickson has been the Panthers’ No. 2 tight end the past two seasons. He’s one of only three players on the team with a Super Bowl ring (Michael Oher and Roman Harper are the others). Dickson was with Baltimore in 2012 when the Ravens beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl.

Why you might not: Dickson’s two seasons in Carolina have coincided with Greg Olsen’s rewriting of the team’s receiving records for tight ends. But Dickson does a lot for the offense as a blocker and a receiver. He filled in at fullback last season when Mike Tolbert was injured, and his versatility is invaluable.

Likelihood to make big postseason impact: High. Dickson seems to have a knack for turning bad plays into big ones. Dickson scored in a Week 4 win at Tampa Bay when a Jonathan Stewart fumble popped up in the air and Dickson grabbed it in stride for a 57-yard touchdown. In the divisional win against Seattle, Dickson slipped in a route, got up and caught a Cam Newton pass for a key third-down conversion in the fourth quarter.

Defensive end Mario Addison

Why you should know him: With his lean frame and quick burst, Addison has been one of the team’s top speed rushers since the Panthers plucked him from Washington’s practice squad during the 2012 season. He has 12.5 sacks over the past two seasons, including six this season. Only Kawann Short (11) had more.

Why you might not: Despite his sack totals, Addison is not an every-down player. At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Addison is too light to hold the edge in the run game. But he has carved out a niche as a situational player who also contributes on special teams.

Likelihood to make big postseason impact: High. Jared Allen’s fractured foot will mean more reps for the rest of the defensive ends. Addison should be on the field for every obvious passing situation. Arizona’s Carson Palmer and the two QBs (New England’s Tom Brady and Denver’s Peyton Manning) the Panthers could face in the Super Bowl are all pocket passers. That should provide Addison opportunities for pressures or strip-sacks that could be game changers.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers’ situational superheroes could make a name when theirs is called."