Panthers looking to keep Seahawks returner Tyler Lockett in check

The Carolina Panthers did a great job keeping Seattle returner Tyler Lockett in check in this year’s first meeting, and they need a repeat performance this week.

Lockett, a third-round pick out of Kansas State last year, is heading to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season thanks to finishing third in the league in punt return yardage (379) and kick return yardage (852). He had a touchdown in both the punt and kick games this year, too.

But Carolina was effective in limiting him in Week 6. Lockett, who also plays receiver, had four punt returns for 28 yards and three kick returns for just 27 yards, both of which fell well below his season average.

“He’s been a difference maker for that football team for what he’s done on offense and in the return game,” said Colin Jones, who plays gunner for the Panthers’ special teams unit. “He’s been a great returner for them, scoring a few touchdowns and big plays.”

In the last week of the regular season, Lockett torched the Cardinals with four punt returns for a team-record 139 yards. That’s an average of 34.8 yards per return, with a long of 66 yards.

“We’ve got to kick the ball where we want to kick it, whether it’s kickoff or punt,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s a very dangerous punt returner. That’s the first thing we’ve got to do. Then we’ve got to be able to cover.”

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Panthers looking to keep Seahawks returner Tyler Lockett in check."