Ihmir Smith-Marsette scores on a 79-yard punt return, first Panthers punt-return TD since 2017
Ihmir Smith-Marsette did something that hadn't been done in a Carolina Panthers uniform since 2017 Thursday night against the Chicago Bears. He tallied a 79-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Panthers a lead in what amounts to the toilet bowl as opposed to a Super Bowl. The Panthers' last punt return touchdown […]
Ihmir Smith-Marsette did something that hadn't been done in a Carolina Panthers uniform since 2017 Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.
He tallied a 79-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Panthers a lead in what amounts to the toilet bowl as opposed to a Super Bowl.
The Panthers' last punt return touchdown came from Kaelin Clay against the New York Jets. That one went for 60 yards.
Here is a look at the play:
Against the Bears, the Panthers actually have some stakes. Chicago owns the franchises' first-round pick in 2024, meaning that it is in Carolina's interest to actually win.
A 70-plus-yard touchdown punt return from Smith-Marsette ensures that at least the 24-year-old receiver is doing his part.
