–When cornerback Donte Jackson returned a Drew Brees interception the length of the field for a two-point defensive conversion in the fourth quarter, it was the first time a member of the Panthers had returned an opponent’s extra-point try for a two-point score.
Jackson had a key defensive pass interference penalty before making a play that could have turned the tide of the game.
“That’s a corner’s mentality,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “You have to be able to move on to the next play. He did. I really appreciate the way he competes.”
–No player other than quarterbacks had thrown for a touchdown in Panthers franchise history until running back Christian McCaffrey’s first-quarter toss on a fourth-down trick play against New Orleans. The throw to tight end Chris Manhertz went for 50 yards.
“It was a play we practiced a few times (during the) week,” Manhertz said. “I think it was just a matter of execution.”
Head coach Ron Rivera said, “We caught them being overly aggressive and Christian was able to complete it. It was well-executed.”
The play made McCaffrey the first player in franchise history with career rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns.
–Linebacker Luke Kuechly has matched the franchise record for tackles for losses in a season with 19. He had 13 total tackles in the New Orleans game. The next night, he was selected for the Pro Bowl.
Kuechly said despite the team’s recent woes there’s a mindset on the team that’s encouraging.
“These guys take pride in not only this team, but their personal efforts,” he said. “That’s what makes this game fun, and this team, this organization, special.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 198-200-1 – That’s the all-time franchise record, including postseason outings, for the Panthers. They’ll need to win both remaining games in the regular season to return to .500 status.
