Marcus Sherels returns punt for Vikings touchdown (Video)

Minnesota Vikings return man Marcus Sherels takes an Andy Lee punt 54 yards to the house to bring the Vikings within two points of the Carolina Panthers.

With two great defenses meeting on the gridiron in Charlotte, it was easy to project a low-scoring affair when the Carolina Panthers welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Bank of America Stadium in Week 3.

Minnesota was unable to get into the end zone on offense during the first half against the strong Panthers defense. However, the Vikings were able to get points from both their defense and their special teams.

The Vikings had a safety on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the end zone early in the game. Down 10-2, Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels took Andy Lee’s kick from the Carolina end zone to the house for a 54-yard special teams score for the Vikings.

Sherels carefully maneuvered the Panthers coverage team to get the Vikings into the end zone for the first time on Sunday afternoon. Neither offense looked great in the first half, but this punt return for the Vikings could have swung momentum in Minnesota’s favor.

Unfortunately, Minnesota cannot trust its placekicker Blair Walsh in 2016. After missing a chip shot in the NFC Playoffs, Walsh has been an incredibly streaky kicker this season. He missed the point after attempt after Sherels’ impressive 54-yard punt return touchdown.

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The missed PAT had the Vikings down 10-8 late in the second quarter. If the Vikings were going to be down just two after the punt return, why didn’t head coach Mike Zimmer opted to go for two points when he can’t trust his befuddled kicker Walsh.

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Yes, points are going to be hard to come by in this game, but the missed PAT from Walsh took all the wind out the Vikings’ sails after the Sherels punt return touchdown.