Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

NFL world reacts to Sam Darnold, Panthers shredding Saints

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 9/19/21

The Carolina Panthers faced plenty of skepticism for the Sam Darnold trade this offseason. Needless to say, the franchise is feeling pretty confident in Darnold right now against the New Orleans Saints.

Facing a Saints’ defense that caused Aaron Rodgers to have one of the worst starts in his NFL career, it didn’t take long for Darnold to get cooking. He led a game-opening touchdown drive, covering 75 yards on five plays and connecting early for his first touchdown of Week 2.

On the run. On the mark. Sam Darnold delivers! #KeepPounding

: #NOvsCAR on FOX
: NFL app pic.twitter.com/xi6FC8MZdy
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

The Panthers immediately forced a three-and-out for New Orleans, giving Darnold the football back. While his second drive stalled, Darnold responded with two scoring drives on the next series. With time ticking down in the second quarter, he connected with DJ Moore to give Carolina a 17-0 lead.

Darnold to DJ Moore puts the @Panthers up 17-0. #KeepPounding

: #NOvsCAR on FOX
: NFL app pic.twitter.com/CvRjvSfK7i
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021

A change of scenery seems to be doing Darnold some good. In his first six quarters away from the New York Jets, the former No. 3 pick has completed 40-of-55 passes for 495 passing yards and four total touchdowns. Meanwhile, Zach Wilson is struggling mightily in Week 2.

As the Panthers stormed out to a 17-0 halftime lead against the Saints, NFL fans reacted to Darnold’s incredible performance.

NFL world reacts to Sam Darnold’s epic start with Carolina Panthers

Sam Darnold didn't have a single game last season with 200 Pass yards and 2 Pass TD for the Jets.

He has that for the Panthers in the first half today. pic.twitter.com/5S0Q9biWhM
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 19, 2021

Maybe too early to say if Sam Darnold is #good now that he's away from Jets and in Carolina.

But can always say that it's impossible to succeed with the NFL's worst head coach/play-caller, bottom-5 OL, bottom-5 weaponry, bottom-5 front office.
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 19, 2021

Funny, give Sam Darnold a little help, and he suddenly looks ok. #Sevennothing
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) September 19, 2021

Sam Darnold having a day when Zach Wilson is not having a day is so poetic
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) September 19, 2021

Sam Darnold glowing today in this #Panthers offense.
Carolina's defense simply nasty.
Rhule's got something here.
— Marc Sessler (@MarcSessler) September 19, 2021

Samuel Darnold no longer seeing ghosts
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) September 19, 2021

Really weird I was told Sam Darnold sucked…
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 19, 2021

beginning to think Sam Darnold’s biggest issue was simply playing for the New York Jets
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) September 19, 2021

Sam Darnold gets his revenge game over the Jets.

➖24/35
➖279 yards
➖2 TD
➖W pic.twitter.com/yWx8zqXK8t
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 12, 2021

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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