There weren't many, if any, highlights to take away for the Carolina Panthers in their lackluster preseason opener against the New England Patriots. But the 17-3 loss on Thursday night did at least give us one laugh.

That chuckle came courtesy of punter Johnny Hekker, who pulled out the ol' "too short" taunt after picking up a stop on Patriots wide receiver and returner David Wallis . . .

The 13th-year punter whiffed on a tackle attempt on one of his earlier boots, an effort that didn't go unnoticed to those watching. So perhaps Hekker was feeling quite good about getting some redemption upon walling Wallis.

He may have earned the right to do so anyway, as the 34-year-old was trotted out for a total of 10 punts on the night. Hekker averaged 46.4 yards per attempt with a long of 58.

Oh, and he's not factually wrong about the "too small" gesture either. Hekker measures in at a pretty big 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, with Wallis at six-foot and 184 pounds.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers P Johnny Hekker hits Patriots returner with 'too small' taunt