The Result
Following today’s game, Carolina is now 3-3 this season and 6-10 against Minnesota all-time.
Special Teams Touchdown
In the third quarter, LB Frankie Luvu blocked a Vikings punt attempt from their own 24-yard line. The loose ball was scooped up by S Kenny Robinson and taken into the endzone for the Panthers first special teams touchdown since Week 16 of 2020 (Brandon Zylstra fumble recovery at Washington 12/27/20). The play marked just the second time in franchise history that the Panthers have scored a touchdown off a blocked punt (Dwight Stone at Washington 12/13/98 at Washington).
Hubbard Scores First Touchdown
Rookie RB Chuba Hubbard scored the first touchdown of his career in the opening quarter against Minnesota. Hubbard led the Panthers with 61 rushing yards on 16 attempts (3.8 yards per rush). Over the last two weeks, his 199 total yards from scrimmage rank 13th in the NFL (through Sunday’s early window of games).
Takeaways
On Minnesota’s second drive of the game, Panthers CB AJ Bouye punched the ball out of Vikings WR Justin Jefferson’s hands, notching his first forced fumble as a member of the Panthers and the second of his career (first since 12/14/14 with HOU at IND). The loose ball was recovered by OLB Haason Reddick and returned 22 yards to the Vikings 18-yard line.
Carolina scored its first touchdown of the game two plays later. The Panthers have totaled six takeaways in 2021 – 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries.
Overtime in Charlotte
Today’s game marked the first time the Panthers played in an overtime game since 2015 (11/2/15 vs. IND). Carolina is now 5-11-1 in overtime games in franchise history, including 1-5 at home and 4-6-1 on the road.
Additional Notes
- WR DJ Moore led the team with 73 receiving yards on 5 receptions. Through Sunday’s early window of games, he ranks 7th in the NFL in receiving yards (513) and t-5th in receptions (40).
- Rookie CB Keith Taylor and LB Jermaine Carter each set career highs with 10 tackles today, tied for the team lead. Taylor also racked up three passes defensed, tied with LB Shaq Thompson (9/12/21 vs. LV) for the most by a Panther this season.
- OLB Haason Reddick tallied 3 tackles for loss against Minnesota, tied for his single-game career best (10/25/20 vs. SEA). His 8 TFLs this season are tied for the most in the NFL.
- TE Ian Thomas’ 41-yard reception on Carolina’s final drive of regulation was the longest catch of his
career.