Panthers dominate Saints 26-7 as Sam Darnold passes for 305 yards

The Panthers beat the Jets 19-14 in Game 1 of the season, but it was only the Jets, and it was tight. No one can say that this week.

Carolina made a statement with a dominant 26-7 victory over the Saints.

It was all the Panthers from start to finish as the Panthers outscored the Saints 383-128. Sam Darnold was 26 of 38 for 305 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. It was his first 300-yard game since 2019.

Christian McCaffrey, who left briefly in the second half to deal with calf cramps, ran 72 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He caught five passes for 65 yards.

Brandon Zylstra caught his first career touchdown pass, 20 yards just three minutes into the game, and DJ Moore added a 2-yard touchdown reception on third and on goal with 1:55 left in the half.

The Saints were missing three defensive starters and most of their offensive staff with six offensive coaches and two defensive coaches absent due to COVID-19 protocols. Nothing went well for the Saints on Sunday either.

Jameis Winston looked like Jameis Winston who played for the Bucs in 2019. He completed 11 of 22 passes for just 111 yards with two interceptions.