10 quick thoughts from the Panthers win at Saints in Week 18

Sam Darnold’s difficult afternoon

As stated previously, it was a troubling afternoon for the Carolina Panthers’ passing attack and Sam Darnold, in particular. The quarterback looked like a rabbit in the headlights for most of the day, which wasn’t helped by the wide receivers failing to get open consistently.

Until Darnold hit Terrace Marshall Jr. on the final drive, it was a lackluster outing. The two interceptions weren’t punished, which helped, but it remains to be seen whether or not Carolina brings him back as a bridge option.

Eddy Pineiro comes through for the Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were presented with an unlikely opportunity to steal a victory late on from a bad football game. And when Eddy Pineiro’s number was called, the clutch kicker answered with a walk-off field goal that went straight through the uprights.

Pineiro’s done more than enough to warrant a legitimate kicking competition with Zane Gonzalez in camp next year. That’s the least he deserves after a standout campaign.

Carolina Panthers dug deep for Steve Wilks

It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was some of the worst football of the season from both teams.

But the Panthers dug deep for interim head coach Steve Wilks, who finishes at 6-6 after replacing Matt Rhule. This represents an outstanding achievement and one that will make it very difficult for David Tepper to go in a different direction.

Whichever way it goes for Wilks, he can hold his head high. Safe in the knowledge he couldn’t have done much more in tremendously difficult circumstances.