Lea: Darnold shows flashes, but ultimately isn't good enough to lift the Panthers over the Vikings
Posted October 17, 2021 5:13 p.m. EDT
Updated October 18, 2021 7:37 a.m. EDT
Charlotte, N.C. — The record doesn't show it, but the 2-3 (before the game) Minnesota Vikings are one of the better teams the Carolina Panthers have had to face so far this season, especially on offense. This is a game where Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold would need to prove who he is and if he can put the silly mistakes behind him and play a clean game.
The Panthers dropped their third straight game after starting 3-0 to begin the season, losing 34-28 in overtime. Three turnovers didn't help their case, but there were other issues throughout the game and some bright spots. Here's what I saw in the game:
- Sam Darnold - For all of Darnold's struggles in this game and the two weeks before this game, he did something Teddy Bridgewater didn't do last season. Darnold led the Panthers on an 11-play 96 yard drive to tie the game and send it into overtime. Under Matt Rhule, this team has never come from behind on the final drive of the game to win or tie the game until today. On the drive, Darnold and the offense converted on 4th down twice to keep the sticks moving, including a 41 yard reception to Ian Thomas as the Panthers were on their own 4 yard line. In no way was this a great game for Darnold, but this drive showed some potential of what could be if he's protected and receiver catch balls thrown to them. On the very first play of the the game, Darnold dropped back to pass and had plenty of time from his offensive line, which hasn't happened much this season. But the play ended with Bashaud Breeland picking Darnold off, Darnold's sixth pick in seven quarters of play. The former first round pick also fumbled the ball away, accounting for two of the Panthers three turnovers in the game. While the last offensive drive of the game showed flashes of greatness, that greatness took too long to show up. Darnold in some ways is a step back from Bridgewater and an upgrade in other ways, which is head scratching. Ultimately, this team lost because the offense couldn't move the ball most of the game. Darnold finished 17-41 for 207 yards and being sacked four times.
- Chuba Hubbard - There's no doubt Hubbard is gifted at running the ball, which is what you need when you don't have Christian McCaffrey. Every other part of his game could use much more work, however. Hubbard scored a two yard touchdown run in one drive and on the next drive, whiffed on pass protection, leading to a James Lynch sack on Sam Darnold. Hubbard is not the receiving threat that McCaffrey is, dropping at least two passes that I counted thrown his way. 16 carries for 61 yards is a step down from his 100 yard performance against the Eagles last week, but the Panthers also didn't run the ball as much. If the Panthers are going to be successful without McCaffrey, they'll need Hubbard to step up as a receiving threat out the back field.
- Robby Anderson - Something isn't right between Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson. The former Jets teammates seemed to have left their chemistry in the Big Apple. The first half was just a microcosm of what this season has looked like for these players. Anderson was targeted seven times, but caught one pass for no gain. One pass was picked off, some were just off-target, while Anderson dropped about two of those himself. Many media members made a big deal of Anderson's display of passion last week on the sidelines after the Panthers lost to the Eagles. This week, it looks like offensive coordinator Joe Brady has schemed more attempts to Anderson, which looked forced at times. There were other drops from Anderson, but he did catch a 7 yard touchdown pass to redeem himself - sort of. There's still work to be done. I don't know if Anderson and Darnold need to work out more, have a talk or what, but their dysfunction is costing the Panthers so far this season.
- Michael Jordan - No, not his airness, the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, the offensive tackle. Jordan was waived and picked back up for the Panthers and played today in place of Dennis Daley at left guard and looked decent doing so. The offensive line continues to be a revolving door, but if Jordan can be a better pass protector at that left guard spot, maybe Darnold will have more time in the pocket moving forward.
- Panthers Defense - The Vikings gained 571 yards in this game. That doesn't look good on a squad that has been heralded as one of the best defenses in the league. However, you can't ignore the fact that the defense is what kept the Panthers in this game. But defensive coordinator Phil Snow has some adjustments to make after this week after his side of the ball allowed 198 rushing yards. That won't cut it against the better teams in the NFL that they'll face like Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Arizona. You do have to wonder how exhausted the defense was being on the field for almost 38 minutes and the offense keeping them on the field with bad drives and turnovers.
