5 Carolina Panthers losses that hurt the most in 2021
By Nick Halden
Carolina Panthers loss to the Eagles in Week 5
Looking back, the loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 was one of the most painful of the season because of how it happened. The Carolina Panthers’ defense fought so hard against a team that would eventually sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard.
The defense got after Jalen Hurts, forcing an interception and limiting the mobile quarterback to only 30 rushing yards. Phil Snow’s unit also restricted the Eagles to 21 points, while they had to watch their quarterback throw three interceptions.
Despite struggling throughout the game, Hurts still managed to outplay Sam Darnold, which speaks to the awful performance the signal-caller had.
It was Darnold’s first truly awful performance of the season that wasn’t as concerning as it would be the next week considering how the season started. However, it cost Carolina a very winnable game against an eventual postseason team.
All the Panthers needed Darnold to do was hand the ball off and check it down. If he had done this effectively, Carolina wins this game.
Instead, the USC product threw away a great defensive effort and continued what was an ugly losing streak for Matt Rhule’s squad.