5 silver linings from the Carolina Panthers loss at the Cowboys Week 4
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold responded to adversity
Sam Darnold threw two interceptions in the third quarter, so things could have been a lot worse after that. Especially considering what the player demonstrated during his time with the New York Jets.
Thankfully, there seems to be much more about Darnold now despite his offensive line doing the signal-caller absolutely no favors whatsoever en route to five sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
Darnold kept the chains moving quickly when the Carolina Panthers were playing catch-up. His production during a first half that also included two rushing touchdowns was encouraging.
The former USC star missed a couple of throws – most notably to wide receiver Robby Anderson – but the fact he bounced back so well from adversity indicates that Carolina might have something after all.
This ended up being another 300-yard performance from Darnold, which was obviously tainted by the two picks. The Panthers have some winnable games upcoming over the next month, so if he can keep this up until Christian McCaffrey returns, the better everyone will feel about his long-term prospects.
Had his protection been anything near adequate, then things might have been different. But regardless of this, Darnold can look back on a first month under center that produced far more good than bad.