Carolina Panthers bet on Darnold pays big dividends in 23-10 win over Broncos

The Panthers got on the board first in the opening quarter. Sam Darnold connected with DJ Moore from 5 yards out capping an 11-play 71-yard scoring drive to put the Panther up by a touchdown.

Later in the 2nd quarter Denver got a 27 yard field goal from Brandon McManus to split the uprights.

Carolina answered on a 10-play 51 yard drive with Eddy Pineiro’s 42-yard field goal. The Broncos trailed 10-3.

Panthers defensive star Brian Burns came up with a sack and forced fumble as part of an effort that moved him into the double digit realm of that category. Gross-Matos recovering and Carolina went into the locker room up by seven.

In the final quarter Carolina continued to make significant gains on offense. Darnold hit DJ Moore with a 52-yard strike and that set up Peneiro for a 26-yard field goal that made it 20-3 Panthers.

After the game, Darnold spoke mostly of team unity but fully understood the process that got him to a place where he could perform better. "It’s understanding situational football and I think that’s the biggest thing that I have learned since being out, is just that. I think if I can continue to learn that, I will continue to grow as a player," Darnold said.