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CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold wouldn’t say anything bad about the New York Jets ahead of Sunday’s opener at Bank of America Stadium, but he made his former team look bad in the 19-14 victory.
The third pick in the 2018 Draft totaled 234 yards in the first half, 16 more than in any first half in his three previous seasons in New York. That included a 57-yard touchdown against former Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson, his favorite target in 2018-19.
Darnold also ran for a 5-yard touchdown late in the first half to give Carolina a 16-0 lead.
Accuracy – an issue for Darnold in New York, where he completed just 59.8% of his passes in 38 games – was not an issue for him that day. He completed 24 of 35 attempts (68.6%) for 279 yards and a touchdown.
He didn’t have any interceptions, another problem for him in New York, where he threw almost as many picks as touchdowns.
Darnold was particularly effective against the blitz, especially in the first half. He completed 8 of 9 attempts for 94 yards. Last season, his 55.6% against the blitz was ranked 32nd out of 35 quarterbacks qualified, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Darnold’s biggest mistake was a fumble on the fourth and 1 of the New York 4, but it was more on full-back Giovanni Ricci who struck the ball before Darnold could get it to Christian McCaffrey.
That Darnold’s biggest play went to Anderson shouldn’t come as a surprise. Anderson was his favorite target with the Jets in 2018-19. The two teamed up for 88 receptions for 11 touchdowns.
The 57 yards was Darnold’s fourth longest touchdown pass, and three went to Anderson. 92 yards in 2019 and 76 yards in 2018 were the other two.
It’s also not surprising that Darnold leaned heavily on McCaffrey. One of the reasons the Panthers felt comfortable negotiating for the former USC star was the belief that he would thrive in his new environment because he would be surrounded by more playmakers.
Of Carolina’s 153 yards in the first half, McCaffrey had 83 – 32 rushing and 51 receiving. McCaffrey finished with 187 total yards, 98 rushing on 21 attempts and 89 receiving on nine catches.
Darnold also leaned on wide receiver DJ Moore, who finished with six catches for 80 yards.
The offensive line also protected Darnold well, allowing just one sack. Darnold has been sacked 98 times in three seasons with the Jets.
The red zone, however, remains a problem. The Panthers have scored just one touchdown in four trips inside the 10-yard line.
The real key for Darnold will be playing well against tougher competition, starting with next week’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
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