3 winners and 3 losers from Panthers loss vs. the Vikings in Week 6
By Jason Huber
Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold’s game-tying drive
As I said, it was tough to find many winners in this game so I’m giving this one to Sam Darnold‘s 96-yard drive instead of him in particular.
Because if we’re being honest, Darnold wasn’t very good on Sunday. An interception, a fumble and some bad decisions blighted his production throughout the game, which raises even more doubts about his long-term future with the franchise.
However, when Carolina needed him most with under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, he came through.
First, Darnold connected with tight end Ian Thomas for a 41-yard gain. Then, despite drops from D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, he hit the Maryland product for a 25-yard strike, made a few more plays and then threw a touchdown pass to his former teammate on the New York Jets.
Considering how Teddy Bridgewater struggled to create game-winning drives last season, seeing this from Darnold was refreshing. Even if it ended in a loss.
Although this doesn’t mask another inconsistent display from the No. 3 overall selection in 2018, Darnold coming through in the clutch like this was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing afternoon overall at Bank of America Stadium.