Panthers flagged for hip-drop tackle, James Conner cuts Panthers lead to 20-10

The league's rule outlawing hip-drop tackles has resulted in fines this season, but it did not result in an in-game penalty until Sunday's game between the Cardinals and Panthers in Charlotte.

Panthers linebacker Jacoby Windmon became the first player to be penalized for the infraction during a game when he tackled Cardinals running back James Conner for a short gain on a pass reception. Fox Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino said he did not believe that Windmon's play featured all four components needed for a play to be ruled a hip-drop tackle, so we will see if the league fines Windmon next week.

The 15-yard penalty moved the Cardinals near midfield and back-to-back receptions by wide receiver Marvin Harrison and Conner moved the ball to the Panthers' 6-yard-line. Conner scored on a run on the next play.

It's now 20-10 Panthers with over five minutes to play in the first half.