Cat Crave
FanSided

Panthers shine in Pro Bowl

By Brandon Scott

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Fozzy Whittaker #43, Trai Turner, and David Mayo #55 of the Carolina Panthers enter the field against the New York Jets prior to their game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 26: Fozzy Whittaker #43, Trai Turner, and David Mayo #55 of the Carolina Panthers enter the field against the New York Jets prior to their game at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Three Carolina Panthers enjoyed solid performances during the Pro Bowl game…

The Carolina Panthers were rewarded with four candidates for the Pro Bowl after an impressive 11-5 regular season. Offensive guard Trai Turner, kicker Graham Gano with linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly all received nominations although Kuechly did not participate.

It was Gano’s first ever trip to the NFL version of an all-star game and third consecutive trip for Turner and Davis. Each had a productive outing during the game although the NFC let a 17-point halftime lead slip away in the second half.

After leading 20-3 at the break, all of the offense the NFC could muster in the second half was a Gano field goal to start the fourth quarter. It wasn’t enough, after the AFC side scored three touchdowns in the second half despite not finding the end zone through the first two quarters. The AFC walked away victorious 24-23.

Gano made all of his kick attempts, even in rainy conditions, knocking through three field goals from 43, 40 and 38 yards out. He also added two point-after kicks for a total of 11 points during the contest. Earlier in the week, Gano won the kicking competition for the NFC during the skills challenge and capped off his first Pro Bowl with a good performance in the game as well.

More from Cat Crave

Davis was named a captain of the NFC team in his third and potentially final Pro Bowl as he plans to retire following next season. Defensively for the NFC, Davis registered four tackles, including one for a loss.

Turner enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the game and common practice of linemen taking it easy while providing an enjoyable experience. Especially with the wet weather conditions, both the offensive and defensive lines were careful not to push one another too hard during the game.

Overall, it was an entertaining game although the three Panthers were on the losing side. Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker earned offensive MVP honors with two touchdowns, including the go ahead score with just over a minute to play.

Next: 2018 Divisional Opponents Preview

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller took home the MVP trophy for the defense.

Home/Carolina Panthers News