Sam Darnold may not be Michael Vick, but the Panthers quarterback has set an NFL record that not even Vick could match. On an 11-yard touchdown run during the first half of Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, Darnold became the first quarterback in league history to rush for five touchdowns during his team’s first four games. Darnold also scored on a one-yard touchdown run earlier in the game.
The former Jets quarterback had five rushing touchdowns during his first three seasons. Darnold entered Sunday’s game with a league-high three touchdown runs. His first rushing touchdown this season came against his former team in Carolina’s Week 1 win over New York. Darnold scored two touchdowns in last Sunday’s 24-9 win over the Texans.
Darnold has played an integral role in the Panthers’ 3-0 start. During the Panthers’ first three games, the former No. 3 overall pick completed 68.2% of his passes with three touchdowns and one interception. He’s averaged 296 passing yards per game that includes a season-high 305 yards in Carolina’s Week 2 win over the Saints.
While it’s still early, Darnold has made an early case to win Comeback Player of the Year.
“For us, we’re starting to find our identity as an offense,” Darnold said after the Panthers’ most recent win. “I’ve just got to, whatever play is called, we’ve got to execute that play. That’s my job, is to get us in the right play and make sure we’re hitting on all cylinders, and the offense is moving in the right direction.”
Is Sam Darnold the right fit for Carolina? The Panthers are looking to make noise in the NFC and the CBS Sports app has everything you need to follow their 2021 season. If you’ve already downloaded the CBS Sports app favorite the Panthers now so you don’t miss any Carolina news.
