5 most important Carolina Panthers players vs. NY Jets in Week 1

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

The Carolina Panthers traded for former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold during the offseason in a bombshell move shortly before the 2021 NFL Draft. This regular-season opener has a revenge game written all over it.

Darnold has a chance to show his old team that they made a big mistake of trading him away.

In the final preseason game, Darnold flashed a lot against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the Panthers quarterback throwing two touchdowns making the crowd go ballistic.

This game gave Darnold a big boost in his confidence and helped him prepare for Week 1.

The Panthers are facing a banged-up Jets defense which gives him another advantage.

The offensive line is still a big question mark. If they can provide time for Darnold, he will succeed.

Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is a great player, and he could wreak havoc on Darnold. The interior offensive line will have their hands full with the former first-round pick out of Alabama.

Darnold also had a full offseason to learn the playbook and get familiar with teammates. Many are expecting him to produce with the weapons around him as he should.

The No. 3 overall selection in 2018 should want revenge on his old team and make them regret trading him.