First blocked extra point returned for 2 points in NFL history right here. #CARvsNO pic.twitter.com/MPnJd6MAP8
— Craig Evans (@TheCraigEvans) December 6, 2015
Prior to this season, if a point-after-try or two-point conversion attempt was turned over to the defense, the ball was ruled dead. However, this season, the NFL rules committee changed it up to use the college rule that makes it legal for the defensive team to pick up a turnover and try and return it the other way for points.
Heading into Week 13, that situation had not come to fruition, but when Carolina kicker Graham Gano had his extra point block after a Panthers touchdown, the Saints made history by becoming the first team to score the two points awarded on a PAT return as Stephone Anthony scooped it up and returned it to the house.
It wasn’t just a historical footnote either, as it turned what would have been a tie game into a three point Saints lead heading into halftime. The Saints are trying to end Carolina’s perfect season and simultaneously keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Interestingly enough, while no team had done it before the Saints in Week 13, the Ravens actually returned a Dolphins’ extra point back for a touchdown earlier in the afternoon, but had it called back due to an offsides penalty. So, it is Stephone Anthony’s name in the record books instead.
