There’s a bit of a different feel for the Carolina Panthers in their first game under interim head coach Steve Wilks. Just ask Donte Jackson.
With just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, the fifth-year cornerback picked off quarterback Matthew Stafford. He then took the ball, one intended for receiver Cooper Kupp, all the way back to the end zone for a 30-yard run.
Jackson’s score, the first touchdown for Carolina on the afternoon, helped give the Panthers a 10-7 lead—one they’d jog into the break with.
26 with it 🎬 pic.twitter.com/H8r91L5Cix
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 16, 2022
big play
bigger hugs @_DJack01 #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/IwIMkKbE8N— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 16, 2022
The big play was an instant piece of redemption for Jackson. On the previous Rams drive, he was beat on a jump ball for six by wideout Allen Robinson—a 5-yard strike that capped off a 13-play, 73-yard scoring drive for Los Angeles.
This was the first interception of the 2022 season (and the first pro touchdown) for Jackson, who now has 13 career picks.
