All articles tagged with #punt return
OU jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter against UTEP, with Lloyd Avant scoring on OU's opening drive and Isaiah Sategna returning a punt 88 yards for a second TD, marking OU's first punt-return TD since 2023.
Rookie returner Kaden Wetjen contributed a 45-yard punt return TD against the Bills in a preseason game, helping the Steelers briefly surge to a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter; he was named Steelers Digest Player of the Week amid other nominees.
Rookie Kaden Wetjen finally sparked the Steelers’ return game in the final preseason game against Buffalo, taking a fourth-quarter punt back 45 yards for a TD after earlier showing hesitations; coach Mike McCarthy, who had pushed him with tough love, called the play “a big-time return” and praised the return unit’s coverage. Wetjen had flashed earlier with a 74-yard catch‑and‑run in the opener, and this late breakthrough could help quiet concerns about his roster spot as Pittsburgh exits preseason with a 28-27 loss.
In Thursday night’s preseason game, Jacob Cowing returned an 83-yard punt for a touchdown after a short, middle punt by JK Scott. Jim Harbaugh criticized Scott’s punt placement and tackling effort, saying he must have a plan and be coached up. Scott is the Chargers’ lone punter and not in competition, but Harbaugh indicated he needs to improve.
Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt-return TD lit the way as the 49ers beat the Chargers 41-17 in the preseason, possibly locking in his returner role; De’Zhaun Stribling stayed involved on offense, while Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez split quarterback reps with mixed results; Austen Pleasants’ left guard competition remains unsettled; Eddy Piñeiro was perfect on all first-half kicks as San Francisco heads into the next preseason game.
Rashid Shaheed played a crucial role in the Seahawks' dramatic 38-37 overtime victory over the Rams, with a pivotal 58-yard punt return that sparked the comeback and energized the team, ultimately helping them secure a playoff berth.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed scored an impressive 43-yard punt return touchdown, highlighting a series of exciting plays from NFL Week 15, including game-winning field goals, long passes, and remarkable individual efforts.
Marcus Jones, a Patriots cornerback, scored three touchdowns this season despite not playing on offense, including a 94-yard punt return against the Giants, prompting teammates like Stefon Diggs to praise his all-around athleticism and impact on the game.
Iowa football delivered a dominant 41-3 victory over Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium, highlighted by a punt-return touchdown from Kaden Wetjen and a strong team performance across all phases, extending their streak of pick-six scores to 18 years and avenging past injustices in the rivalry.
In a remarkable NFL game, Miami's Malik Washington scored a 74-yard punt return TD, immediately followed by New England's Antonio Gibson returning a kickoff 90 yards for a TD, marking the first back-to-back kick return TDs of the season with six minutes remaining, and Patriots leading 30-27.
The San Francisco 49ers' preseason opener against the Denver Broncos highlighted standout performances from Junior Bergen, Jordan Watkins, and Chase Lucas, despite a loss. Bergen impressed with a 28-yard punt return, Watkins made a significant 50-yard reception, and Lucas contributed with a safety and key defensive plays, showcasing potential for the upcoming season.
Rookie LaJohntay Wester made a spectacular NFL debut by returning an 87-yard punt for a touchdown, showcasing confidence and skill that could earn him the Ravens' punt returner role, despite still competing for the position and not yet officially securing the spot.
Tylan Wallace, a fourth-round pick who was uncertain about making the Baltimore Ravens' roster earlier this season, delivered a game-winning, 76-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime, securing a thrilling 37-31 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. This was Wallace's first career touchdown and punt return in the NFL, and it propelled the Ravens to the top spot in the AFC. The team celebrated the unlikely score, which came after Wallace overcame a penalty earlier in the game, and his perseverance was praised by his coach and teammates.
The Carolina Panthers ended their 96-game drought without a punt return touchdown as Ihmir Smith-Marsette returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears. This was the Panthers' first punt return touchdown since 2017 and the fifth punt return for a touchdown in the NFL this season.