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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Anthony Rizzuti

Panthers get first blocked punt for a touchdown since 1998

A blocked punt ultimately ended up dooming the Carolina Panthers in their 21-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. So they must’ve took some notes.

Down 12-10 to the Minnesota Vikings with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Panthers special teams unit stepped up to finally make a big play of their own. Linebacker Frankie Luvu came through, unblocked, to ignite a sudden spark in an otherwise dead afternoon.

The fourth-year backer blocked the attempted punt from Minnesota’s Jordan Berry on a snap that fired off from their own 24-yard line. Safety Kenny Robinson would then scoop up the loose ball at the 4-yard line and take it into the end zone for six.

Robinson’s cleanup helped give the Panthers a 17-12 lead at the 6:49 mark of the third quarter. The score was also the franchise’s first touchdown return off a blocked punt since 1998, which equates to a 356-game span.

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