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Carolina 24, Houston 9
Is it me, or so former Jets quarterbacks seem to do much better, and in some cases almost thrive, almost as soon as they leave the Jets?
Seriously, it feels like Gang Green has a history of quarterbacks struggling and not being satisfactory while they are playing in those green jerseys, only to establish themselves as solid players elsewhere. Years ago, the Jets acquired Brett Favre, and he had a mostly forgettable 2008 season with the Jets, couched in between a Championship Game appearance with the Green Bay Packers in 2007, and another Championship Game appearance, and almost MVP type of season, with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009. Before that, Chad Pennington had struggled with the Jets, but then he seemed to thrive with the Miami Dolphins, turning them around from 1-15 to the playoffs in one season. And Ryan Fitzpatrick had a largely forgettable time with the Jets, but seemed to catch fire with some other teams, including the Buccaneers and the Dolphins (he almost led them to the playoffs last season). Now, it seems that Sam Darnold is thriving in Carolina now that he has become merely a former Jets quarterback. In fact, his first win of the season came against Gang Green, his former team.
Now granted, the Panthers have not exactly knocked out a laundry list of top contenders, unless you believe that the Jets, Saints, and now the Texans rank among the league favorites. Most people feel that these franchises rank closer to the other end of the spectrum. Still, a win is a win, and it is not like Carolina chose their schedule. They just have to play it, and so far, they have played their way to a perfect 3-0 start, which is very impressive.
Darnold was impressive, completing 23 of 34 passes for 304 yards, but he also ran for two touchdowns. Not exactly a banner game, but a solid one, an he helped his team win, despite a solid defensive performance by the Texans. Indeed, Houston's defense proved tough, sacking Darnold multiple times, and pressuring him often, as well. The problem for the Texans was a familiar one: a lack of offense to make the solid defensive performance stand up and count for a W.
The two teams were more or less in a very tight struggle after halftime with the Panthers clinging to a narrow one-point lead, when they finally found their footing and took over the game. Carolina enjoyed a 9-play, 91 yard touchdown drive to give them a 14-6 lead midway through the third quarter. They added a field goal in the fourth quarter before the Texans finally got a field goal to keep it within one possession midway through the fourth quarter.
But the Panthers were not allowing this one to slip from their fingers. They enjoyed a 1- play, 75 yard drive that culminated in one of those Darnold running touchdowns, icing the game and the win,
Now, it was not all good news for the Panthers. They lost star running back Christian McCaffrey to a strained hamstring.
Still, overall, a fine effort and solid win by Carolina, who now improve to 3-0 on the young season. The Houston Texans, meanwhile, drop their second straight to fall to 1-2.
My pick: Accurate
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