5 big talking points from Carolina Panthers’ loss at the Cowboys in Week 4
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers have found a new franchise QB
After four games and a loss, this is a bold statement. But the Carolina Panthers should be prepared to go fully in on Sam Darnold.
Granted he threw two picks at the Dallas Cowboys, but this came from drive-after-drive of pressure meaning mistakes were unfortunately inevitable. Let’s also not take away from how good a cornerback Trevon Diggs is.
Darnold could have easily wilted under the third quarter pummeling from the Cowboys’ defense. However, he got off the canvas and led the Panthers on two touchdown drives both ending in passes to D.J. Moore to bring Carolina within one score.
The key for owner David Tepper and general manager Scott Fitterer now is protecting Darnold at all costs, we don’t want a repeat of Cam Newton’s decline due to constant hits. This must start in the 2022 draft where the Panthers should spend their first pick on the best offensive lineman available at the time.
A quick mention for Moore, it’s about time he was given more respect as an elite wide receiver which he clearly is.
Considering he was matched up against the outstanding Diggs, Moore ended the game with stats of eight receptions for 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns. These included an extraordinary catch where the Maryland product somehow stayed on his feet to extend the play.