Everyone in the know within the Carolina Panthers organization collectively are saying that the merry-go-round at quarterback is over. Sam Darnold is now the quarterback for the Panthers.
Darnold did exactly what interim coach Steve Wilks envisioned in the team’s victory over Denver last week. He played within the system, got the ball to receiver DJ Moore, and did not make any mistakes.
Playing error-free football is a good thing because it enables the team’s defense to control the game. And Carolina has a good defense. Utilizing Moore is also a good thing because the young wide receiver is one of the most underrated pass-catcher in the NFL.
With a favorable schedule, Carolina (4-8) could even make a run in the weak NFC South.
If a run is to take place it may be done without Baker Mayfield on the roster. Rumor has it that the Panthers have seen all they need of Mayfield, The former Heisman winner went 1-5 as the starter. It looks like PJ Walker will be Darnold’s backup with Mayfield inactive. The team has to be asking themselves why it should continue to pay Mayfield.
ACC Hoop News
It was a rough week for the ACC last week.
Let me start with North Carolina. The Heels dropped a quadruple overtime game to Alabama. One thing I noticed in the setback is that Carolina is truly a guard-oriented team. The starting guards took a staggering 60 out of UNC’s 91 shots in the overtime affair. Carolina also lost to Iowa State on the team’s trip to Portland for the Phil Knight Tournament.
An early surprise in the conference is Boston College They are now 6-2 overall. It was just two years ago when the Eagles won just four games.
An early disappointment is Florida State. The Seminoles are a very disappointing 1-7 thus far this season.
Duke lost big to Purdue last week. You really cannot count that as a bad loss as the Boilermakers turned around two days later to beat Gonzaga. Side note, I wonder if one school has ever beaten the Blue Devils and the Zags in the same season?
Sam Darnold
