Jacoby Windmon creates unique NFL history in Panthers’ OT win

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Linebacker Jacoby Windmon tallied a team-high eight tackles in the Carolina Panthers' 36-30 overtime win against the Arizona Cardinals Dec. 22 at Bank of America Stadium.

Celebrating a rare Carolina Panthers win Sunday, coach Dave Canales paused on-field to speak with undrafted rookie Jacoby Windmon, who led the team in tackles and was called for a rare penalty during an eventful first NFL start.  

With three inside linebackers on injured reserve, Windmon, who started the week on the practice squad, earned a promotion and the start. He played a key role as Chuba Hubbard scored on a 21-yard run in overtime, propelling the Panthers to a 36-30 overtime win against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. The Cardinals (7-8) were eliminated from the playoffs.  

Quarterback Bryce Young rebounded from a four-turnover performance last week and directed the Panthers (4-11) to 30 points or more for just the second time in 28 appearances.

Jacoby Windmon: ‘This is a great opportunity for me’ 

Facing the run-heavy Cardinals, the Panthers entered the home finale as the NFL’s worst run defense – and it’s not close. The Panthers entered Week 16 yielding 170 rushing yards per game. The 31st-ranked club, the New York Giants, surrendered 29.3 fewer yards per game.  

The past three lead running backs who faced the Panthers’ 3-4 base defense, Dallas’ Rico Dowdle (149 yards), Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley (124) and Tampa Bay rookie Bucky Irving (152), averaged 141.7 yards rushing. 

Next up was Arizona Pro Bowler James Conner, who entered Sunday 27 yards shy of 1,000. That came soon enough as 74 of his 111 first-half yards came before contact.  
The Panthers opened Week 16 with Shaq Thompson (Achilles), rookie Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Claudin Cherelus (foot) on IR.

Next up: Windmon.  

Following Thursday’s practice, Windmon was asked about the potential of playing his first significant role in an NFL game. Outside of special teams, he participated in only two defensive plays.  

“This is a great opportunity for me to show what I can do on the field,” Windom said. “Taking advantage of opportunities like this helps you stay alive in this league. This is huge. I’m ready to take advantage of it.”  
Windmon anticipated his nervousness would cease after he delivered the first hit.   

“I know on game day, I’ll be more nervous, but once I get the first play out of the way, I’ll be fine,” he said. “I can just play the ball from there. Just gotta get that first contact and then I’ll be good.”  
Windmon backed it up by collecting a team-best eight tackles (four solo) and registered his first sack and pass defensed.  

“Opportunities come in a bunch of ways, and this happened because of the injuries we suffered at that position,” Canales said during his post-game press conference. “He made some big plays. He made some great tackles in the open field and ran around and played fast. That was huge.”

A rare hip-drop penalty 

Windmon made obscure NFL history Sunday. He is believed to be the first defender credited with being called for a hip-drop penalty and creating a sack in the same contest.   

The unique penalty also appeared to change the momentum. At the time Windmon was flagged for tackling Conner in the open field, the Panthers led 20-3 midway through the second quarter.  The 15-yard penalty positioned Arizona to score three plays later on Conner’s 6-yard scoring run. Conner finished with 117 yards, but only six in the second half. The Cardinals also scored on their next possession to pull to within 20-17.  

“It was a big play,” Canales said. “All of the elements of the play were there. The posture, all the things they are looking for. I don’t want to comment too much more on it.”  

At the time of the call, NFL officials issued 17 fines for hip-drop tackles this season, but it was the first on-field call.  

Windmon described the play: “He was a bigger back. I was just thinking, tackle his legs. I knew I was the only guy in the open space, so if I can get him down, we could survive until the next down.   

“I just have to respect the rules and move forward.”

Like Windmon was forced to do. At Michigan State, he overcame a controversial locker-room fight at Michigan in 2022. For his role in the post-game altercation, he was suspended after being named Big 10 defensive player of the week three times in the opening eight games.  

On Sunday, Windmon reflected on winning in his first NFL start.

“It was a surreal moment,” he said. “Just being out there with the guys, I remember times dreaming of this as a kid. Just living in the moment. It’s quite an arc. Not many people can say they played in the NFL.”  

There’s one part of the history-making performance Windmon can do without. He expects to receive a letter from the NFL front office next week.  

“I hate to make history with a hip-drop,” he said with a grin, “but I don’t want to have that fine.”  

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