The Lions’ defense held tight on Carolina’s first drive into the red zone to hold its opponent to a first-quarter field goal. On the team’s second big drive, the Panthers got creative — and bent the rules — to score their first touchdown of the day.
Christian McCaffrey’s 1st NFL TD was a nifty, possibly illegal shovel pass
It went for a touchdown, but there was a lineman downfield where he shouldn’t be.
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton rolled left before firing a shovel pass to Christian McCaffrey in a hybrid option play that took advantage of Carolina’s athletic backfield. McCaffrey corralled the ball then darted 6 yards into the end zone to tie the game at 10-10 for his first NFL score.
Referees conferred before confirming the touchdown, and for good reason. Offensive lineman Matt Kalil was more than a yard past the line of scrimmage when Newton launched what was technically a forward pass to McCaffrey, making him an ineligible receiver downfield. Though the officials declined to call a penalty, FOX’s officiating consultant, Dean Blandino, would later opine a flag should have been thrown on the play.
What this means for the Panthers: A little modest trickery has the Panthers’ offense moving, and Sunday’s showdown between two 3-1 teams looks like it may be a shootout. Carolina proved its strength last week by beating the Patriots — toppling the Lions on the road would prove the Panthers are a contender in 2017.
What this means for Christian McCaffrey: The rookie back scored the first NFL touchdown of his career with his six-yard reception.
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