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Tag: Sam Darnold

  • Seahawks ride their ‘Dark Side’ defense to a Super Bowl title, pounding the Patriots, 29-13

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    SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Defense won this championship.

    Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.

    Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Kenneth Walker III ran for 135 yards and Jason Myers set a super Bowl record by making all five of his field-goal tries.

    Uchenna Nwosu punctuated a punishing defensive performance by snagging Maye’s pass in the air after Witherspoon hit his arm and ran it back 45 yards for a pick-6.

    Seattle’s “Dark Side” defense helped Darnold become the first quarterback in the 2018 draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson.

    Labeled a bust, dumped by two teams and considered expendable by two others, Darnold proved his doubters wrong while helping the Seahawks go 17-3.

    After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games. He wasn’t particularly sharp against a solid Patriots defense but protected the ball and made enough plays, finishing 19 of 38 for 202 yards.

    The Seahawks sacked Maye six times, including two apiece by Hall and Murphy. Hall’s strip-sack late in the third quarter set up a short field and Darnold connected with Barner on 16-yard scoring toss to make it 19-0.

    Julian Love’s interception set up another field goal that made it 22-7 with 5:35 left.

    The Patriots (17-4) punted on the first eight drives, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half.

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    Rob Maaddi

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  • Seattle Seahawks lead New England Patriots at half time in Super Bowl LX

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    It’s almost time to crown an NFL champion.After two weeks of hype and anticipation, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.The Seattle Seahawks are leading the New England Patriots 9-0 at halftime of Super Bowl LX. Bad Bunny Half Time ShowBad Bunny started his half time show as he emerged in Puerto Rico’s sugar cane fields, surrounded by jibaros in pavas (rural farmers in traditional straw hats), viejitos playing dominos (an affectionate term for older men) and a piragua stand (shaved ice) — undeniable symbols of Puerto Rico.From a small Caribbean island with a complicated colonial history, to the world: The artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio brought Puerto Rican culture to the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show in what was always going to be a landmark moment for Latinos.He started with his huge reggaeton hits, “Tití Me Preguntó” moving into “Yo Perreo Sola,” as he remerged on top of the casita (“little house”) from his Puerto Rican residency — Cardi B was a guest at his pari de marquesina, a house party.Then he crashed through the roof — Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” played for a moment, clearly a celebration of the Puerto Rican artists who laid the path for his Latin trap to go global.“Mi nombre Antonio Martínez Ocasio,” he introduced himself to the crowd in Spanish. “Y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí y tú también deberías de creer en ti, vales más de lo que piensas.”The strings of his song “Monaco” played — then, a surprise Lady Gaga emerged at a wedding, singing her portion of “Die with a Smile,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars, joined by a salsa band.It gave Benito time for a fashion change — rocking a white suit like a classic salsero — for “Baile Inolvidable” and “NuevaYol,” with a block party set where he took a shot with Tonita, owner of one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in New York City, Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club.Ricky Martin performed “Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii,” (“What Happened to Hawaii”), a rallying cry for Puerto Rico’s autonomy.Behind him, jibaros in pavas climbed power towers that exploded, symbolic of Puerto Rico’s frequent blackouts and failing power grid. It queued up a moving performance of 2022’s “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), in reference to Hurricane Maria, its aftermath and the continued anger and frustration over persistent, chronic power outages.Bad Bunny performed entirely in Spanish — as all of his music is recorded in the language, though he has collaborated with English-language artists. The only English singing came from Gaga. That changed at the end of the set, when he said, “God Bless America,” and then named countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. “And my mother land, Puerto Rico.”He ended with “DtMF” as he walked out of the stadium. Who needs offense? How ’bout those special teams?The game was expected to be a matchup of two stingy defenses.It was in the first half, and it was a very busy day for both special teams.The Patriots punted on five of their six drives. That counts a final possession that was just a one-play kneel down with 11 seconds left.Seattle got three field goals from Jason Myers.With JSN grounded, Seattle is clawing away on the groundThe Seahawks have settled for field goals but hold a two-score lead heading into halftime thanks to kicker Jason Myers’ third conversion. He made a 40-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining in the second quarter.It hasn’t been pretty for Seattle’s offense, which ranked fifth in scoring in the regular season. Sam Darnold, who is fresh off his second straight Pro Bowl season, was nearly picked off by cornerback Christian Gonzalez on third down. Instead, the pass fell harmlessly to the turf for Darnold’s 13th incompletion of the first half. Darnold is 9 of 22 for 88 yards.The Seahawks continue to run the ball well, though. Kenneth Walker III has 94 yards on 14 carries, but 59 of those came on two runs. Otherwise, New England has done a solid job of slowing him down.Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had the most yards receiving of any player in the NFL in the regular season, was targeted seven times and only caught one pass for 4 yards. Veteran Cooper Kupp has been Seattle’s best offensive player with four catches for 44 yards.New England has just 51 yards of offense in first halfNew England managed just four first downs, 51 total yards and converted only 2 of 7 third downs in the first half against the stingy Seahawks defense.The 51 yards are second-fewest in a first half over the last 35 Super Bowls — and the only team with fewer in that 35-year stretch was the Chiefs with 23 last season. The only time the Patriots had fewer was -19 against the Bears in Super Bowl 20.‘Backstreet’s back’ tonightTwo different advertisers have featured songs from the Backstreet Boys in their Super Bowl spots.T-Mobile showed the band singing a version of its 1999 hit “I Want It That Way.” And cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase used a karaoke scroll of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”“By using ‘Everybody,’ we were signaling that crypto has moved past that early adopter phase,” Coinbase chief marketing officer Cat Ferdon told the AP ahead of the game. “It’s mainstream, it’s accessible and it’s for everybody.”Vrabel: Pats need to protect MayeDrake Maye was sacked three times and hit five times in the first half. Asked about his QB’s protection at halftime, New England coach Mike Vrabel said he need better protection from the whole offensive line.“From all sides,” Vrabel said. “We have to do a much better job.”Score alert: Seattle boots another field goalJason Myers connects for his third field goal of the first half, this one from 41 yards.Seahawks 9, Patriots 0The Pats’ O-line isn’t giving Maye much timeIf the Patriots are going to get anything going on offense, they’ll need to keep Drake Maye upright.Maye is first QB to be sacked three times on the first four drives of a Super Bowl since Tom Brady in Super Bowl 42 vs the Giants.Maye is 5-of-7 passing for 39 yards.Kenneth Walker III is keeping Seattle movingWhile the Seahawks have struggled to throw the ball, Walker is finding holes and making the Pats pay.Walker ran for 55 of his 71 yards in the game on Seattle’s second scoring drive. It was the most in a single drive in the Super Bowl since Willie Parker had 75 — all on one run — for the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Seahawks in Super Bowl 40.Since reserve running back Zach Charbonnet went down with a season-ending knee injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round, Walker has taken on the role of bell cow and run with it. Including the Super Bowl, Walker has run the ball 47 times for 249 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the playoffs.Walker continuing to dominate on the ground would buoy the Seahawks’ chances of hanging onto their lead.Injury updates for Seahawks, PatriotsBoth the Seahawks and Patriots have a pair of players dealing with injuries early in the second quarter.Linebacker Jahlani Tavai is questionable with a shoulder injury for the Patriots. Safety Ty Okada is also questionable while being looked at for a calf issue.Score alert: Seattle adds another field goalJason Myers connects from 39 yards.Seahawks 6, Patriots 0Seattle has found the weakness in New England’s O-lineThe Seahawks have made a meal on opposing offenses this season, blitzing weak points in offensive lines.Through the Patriots’ first two drives, the target has been rookie left tackle Will Campbell.It resulted in Campbell yielding a pair of sacks and helped contribute to two Patriots’ punts.Seattle’s ‘12s’ are bringing the noiseFrom the first play of the Patriots’ opening drive, the Seahawks’ fan base made its presence felt. Seattle’s “12s”, as the Seahawks’ passionate fan base is known as, made all sorts of noise at Levi’s Stadium shortly after New England took over on offense.Typically, Seahawks fans create a difficult environment for foes at Lumen Field. Today, they’ve taken over the home of one the Seahawks’ fiercest rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.Former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp makes an early impactSeattle’s opening drive was aided in large part by a 23-yard, juggling reception by Kupp along the sideline. Replays showed Kupp may have been bobbling the ball as he went out of bounds, but the Seahawks rushed the next play to preempt a review.Regardless, quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks’ offense showed it can move the ball against the Patriots’ defense. Darnold completed 2 of 4 passes for 38 yards, and Kenneth Walker III ran for 13 yards on three carries.Seattle’s offense slowed in the red zone, though, and failed to capitalize on a 1st and 10 at the New England 17-yard line.Score alert: Seahawks kick field goalJason Myers caps Seattle’s opening drive with a 33-yard field goal.Seahawks 3, Patriots 0Super Bowl 60 is underwaySeattle received the ball to start the game after New England won the opening coin toss and deferred to the second half. The game opened under blue skies and 67-degree weather at Levi’s Stadium.The opening kick went for a touchback, giving the Seahawks the ball at the 35.There have been only two times in the past 25 Super Bowls that the team that received the opening kick scored a touchdown on that possession. The Philadelphia Eagles did it three years ago when Jalen Hurts scored on a 1-yard run in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Devin Hester also returned the opening kickoff for a score for Chicago against Indianapolis in Super Bowl 41.

    It’s almost time to crown an NFL champion.

    After two weeks of hype and anticipation, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

    The Seattle Seahawks are leading the New England Patriots 9-0 at halftime of Super Bowl LX.

    Bad Bunny Half Time Show

    Bad Bunny started his half time show as he emerged in Puerto Rico’s sugar cane fields, surrounded by jibaros in pavas (rural farmers in traditional straw hats), viejitos playing dominos (an affectionate term for older men) and a piragua stand (shaved ice) — undeniable symbols of Puerto Rico.

    From a small Caribbean island with a complicated colonial history, to the world: The artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio brought Puerto Rican culture to the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show in what was always going to be a landmark moment for Latinos.

    He started with his huge reggaeton hits, “Tití Me Preguntó” moving into “Yo Perreo Sola,” as he remerged on top of the casita (“little house”) from his Puerto Rican residency — Cardi B was a guest at his pari de marquesina, a house party.

    Then he crashed through the roof — Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” played for a moment, clearly a celebration of the Puerto Rican artists who laid the path for his Latin trap to go global.

    “Mi nombre Antonio Martínez Ocasio,” he introduced himself to the crowd in Spanish. “Y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí y tú también deberías de creer en ti, vales más de lo que piensas.”

    The strings of his song “Monaco” played — then, a surprise Lady Gaga emerged at a wedding, singing her portion of “Die with a Smile,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars, joined by a salsa band.

    It gave Benito time for a fashion change — rocking a white suit like a classic salsero — for “Baile Inolvidable” and “NuevaYol,” with a block party set where he took a shot with Tonita, owner of one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in New York City, Brooklyn’s Caribbean Social Club.

    Ricky Martin performed “Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii,” (“What Happened to Hawaii”), a rallying cry for Puerto Rico’s autonomy.

    Behind him, jibaros in pavas climbed power towers that exploded, symbolic of Puerto Rico’s frequent blackouts and failing power grid. It queued up a moving performance of 2022’s “El Apagón” (“The Blackout”), in reference to Hurricane Maria, its aftermath and the continued anger and frustration over persistent, chronic power outages.

    Bad Bunny performed entirely in Spanish — as all of his music is recorded in the language, though he has collaborated with English-language artists. The only English singing came from Gaga. That changed at the end of the set, when he said, “God Bless America,” and then named countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. “And my mother land, Puerto Rico.”

    He ended with “DtMF” as he walked out of the stadium.

    Who needs offense? How ’bout those special teams?

    The game was expected to be a matchup of two stingy defenses.

    It was in the first half, and it was a very busy day for both special teams.

    The Patriots punted on five of their six drives. That counts a final possession that was just a one-play kneel down with 11 seconds left.

    Seattle got three field goals from Jason Myers.

    With JSN grounded, Seattle is clawing away on the ground

    The Seahawks have settled for field goals but hold a two-score lead heading into halftime thanks to kicker Jason Myers’ third conversion. He made a 40-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

    It hasn’t been pretty for Seattle’s offense, which ranked fifth in scoring in the regular season. Sam Darnold, who is fresh off his second straight Pro Bowl season, was nearly picked off by cornerback Christian Gonzalez on third down. Instead, the pass fell harmlessly to the turf for Darnold’s 13th incompletion of the first half. Darnold is 9 of 22 for 88 yards.

    The Seahawks continue to run the ball well, though. Kenneth Walker III has 94 yards on 14 carries, but 59 of those came on two runs. Otherwise, New England has done a solid job of slowing him down.

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had the most yards receiving of any player in the NFL in the regular season, was targeted seven times and only caught one pass for 4 yards. Veteran Cooper Kupp has been Seattle’s best offensive player with four catches for 44 yards.

    New England has just 51 yards of offense in first half

    New England managed just four first downs, 51 total yards and converted only 2 of 7 third downs in the first half against the stingy Seahawks defense.

    The 51 yards are second-fewest in a first half over the last 35 Super Bowls — and the only team with fewer in that 35-year stretch was the Chiefs with 23 last season. The only time the Patriots had fewer was -19 against the Bears in Super Bowl 20.

    ‘Backstreet’s back’ tonight

    Two different advertisers have featured songs from the Backstreet Boys in their Super Bowl spots.

    T-Mobile showed the band singing a version of its 1999 hit “I Want It That Way.” And cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase used a karaoke scroll of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”

    “By using ‘Everybody,’ we were signaling that crypto has moved past that early adopter phase,” Coinbase chief marketing officer Cat Ferdon told the AP ahead of the game. “It’s mainstream, it’s accessible and it’s for everybody.”

    Vrabel: Pats need to protect Maye

    Drake Maye was sacked three times and hit five times in the first half. Asked about his QB’s protection at halftime, New England coach Mike Vrabel said he need better protection from the whole offensive line.

    “From all sides,” Vrabel said. “We have to do a much better job.”

    Score alert: Seattle boots another field goal

    Jason Myers connects for his third field goal of the first half, this one from 41 yards.

    Seahawks 9, Patriots 0

    The Pats’ O-line isn’t giving Maye much time

    If the Patriots are going to get anything going on offense, they’ll need to keep Drake Maye upright.

    Maye is first QB to be sacked three times on the first four drives of a Super Bowl since Tom Brady in Super Bowl 42 vs the Giants.

    Maye is 5-of-7 passing for 39 yards.

    Kenneth Walker III is keeping Seattle moving

    While the Seahawks have struggled to throw the ball, Walker is finding holes and making the Pats pay.

    Walker ran for 55 of his 71 yards in the game on Seattle’s second scoring drive. It was the most in a single drive in the Super Bowl since Willie Parker had 75 — all on one run — for the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Seahawks in Super Bowl 40.

    Since reserve running back Zach Charbonnet went down with a season-ending knee injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round, Walker has taken on the role of bell cow and run with it. Including the Super Bowl, Walker has run the ball 47 times for 249 yards rushing and four touchdowns in the playoffs.

    Walker continuing to dominate on the ground would buoy the Seahawks’ chances of hanging onto their lead.

    Injury updates for Seahawks, Patriots

    Both the Seahawks and Patriots have a pair of players dealing with injuries early in the second quarter.

    Linebacker Jahlani Tavai is questionable with a shoulder injury for the Patriots. Safety Ty Okada is also questionable while being looked at for a calf issue.

    Score alert: Seattle adds another field goal

    Jason Myers connects from 39 yards.

    Seahawks 6, Patriots 0

    Seattle has found the weakness in New England’s O-line

    The Seahawks have made a meal on opposing offenses this season, blitzing weak points in offensive lines.

    Through the Patriots’ first two drives, the target has been rookie left tackle Will Campbell.

    It resulted in Campbell yielding a pair of sacks and helped contribute to two Patriots’ punts.

    Seattle’s ‘12s’ are bringing the noise

    From the first play of the Patriots’ opening drive, the Seahawks’ fan base made its presence felt. Seattle’s “12s”, as the Seahawks’ passionate fan base is known as, made all sorts of noise at Levi’s Stadium shortly after New England took over on offense.

    Typically, Seahawks fans create a difficult environment for foes at Lumen Field. Today, they’ve taken over the home of one the Seahawks’ fiercest rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.

    Former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp makes an early impact

    Seattle’s opening drive was aided in large part by a 23-yard, juggling reception by Kupp along the sideline. Replays showed Kupp may have been bobbling the ball as he went out of bounds, but the Seahawks rushed the next play to preempt a review.

    Regardless, quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks’ offense showed it can move the ball against the Patriots’ defense. Darnold completed 2 of 4 passes for 38 yards, and Kenneth Walker III ran for 13 yards on three carries.

    Seattle’s offense slowed in the red zone, though, and failed to capitalize on a 1st and 10 at the New England 17-yard line.

    Score alert: Seahawks kick field goal

    Jason Myers caps Seattle’s opening drive with a 33-yard field goal.

    Seahawks 3, Patriots 0

    Super Bowl 60 is underway

    Seattle received the ball to start the game after New England won the opening coin toss and deferred to the second half. The game opened under blue skies and 67-degree weather at Levi’s Stadium.

    The opening kick went for a touchback, giving the Seahawks the ball at the 35.

    There have been only two times in the past 25 Super Bowls that the team that received the opening kick scored a touchdown on that possession. The Philadelphia Eagles did it three years ago when Jalen Hurts scored on a 1-yard run in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Devin Hester also returned the opening kickoff for a score for Chicago against Indianapolis in Super Bowl 41.

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  • Keeler: Broncos should spend Russell Wilson money on getting Bo Nix receivers without butterfingers

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    Say this for Sean Payton: He sure liked to spread the drops around.

    The Broncos were the only NFL team to place three players among the league’s top 15 in dropped passes during the regular season, per Pro-Football-Reference.com — wide receiver Courtland Sutton (eight), tight end Evan Engram (eight) and running back RJ Harvey (seven).

    No wonder a 15-4 record feels like such a Boverachievement, in retrospect.

    It’s going to be a beast to repeat if Payton and GM George Paton don’t add an experienced, proven wideout for Bo Nix in 2026. Or a big-time tight end. Better yet, both.

    What the heck. Russell Wilson is off the books, right? Paton is rolling into the offseason with diamond encrusted Walmart gift card in his wallet. Go nuts.

    “I think the position that this team, the position that we’re in, (we) have a win-now mentality,” Engram said Monday at Dove Valley as the Broncos cleaned out their lockers following a 10-7 loss to New England in the AFC Championship. “And there are some things that we can work with to even make our roster even better.

    “So, yeah — I have the utmost faith in the guys upstairs, all the decision-makers, the coach. They’ve done a great job since they’ve been here. They’ve built (a) championship team. Being able to add to that already, we’re in a great spot. We’ll be in a good spot for a while.”

    Yeah, but you’ve got to strike now. Nix is on a rookie contract through 2027. That time is going to fly by. Like the Nuggets with Jokic and Murray and the Avs with MacKinnon and Makar, this is the window. Right here. We going for this? Or not?

    “Obviously, we need some key players to come in and do what they need to do by getting points on the scoreboard,” veteran left tackle Garett Bolles noted Monday. “(We’ve) got a phenomenal defense. We have everything we need. We just need a couple more playmakers, and sky’s the limit for this team.”

    Almost everything. Nix can sling it with Sam Darnold all stinking day. What do the Super-Bowl-bound Seahawks have that the Broncos don’t? A bell cow tailback (Kenneth Walker) who has averaged 15 games per season over his career. And a No. 1 wideout (Jaxson Smith-Njigba) who’s putting up seven catches and 86 receiving yards per game this postseason.

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    Sean Keeler

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  • NFL trade deadline winners and losers: Eagles, Ravens make sensible moves while Colts, Cowboys take big swings

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    The NFL’s trade deadline has come and gone. Many teams attempted to improve their rosters via trade market, some bad teams went for the addition-by-subtraction approach, some teams just stood pat, and two team truly took an enormous swing.

    Time will tell if these decisions were the right ones for the respective teams, but here’s a look at our winners and losers from the deadline moves:

    Winners 🍾🍾🍾

    Philadelphia Eagles: Although they really could’ve used a no-doubt-about-it cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell, the right market didn’t surface for them. Did they panic? No. They strengthened their pass rush with a no-brainer addition of Jaelan Phillips for a third-rounder and added two defensive backs (Michael Carter II, Jaire Alexander) at low cost for depth and optionality. If all else fails at corner, they can move Cooper DeJean outside and play Carter at nickelback. Either way, the defense is in better shape now than before the deadline.

    Baltimore Ravens: With improved health in the secondary, the Ravens needed help in the pass rush to make up for the loss of Pro Bowl iDL Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) for the season. The trade for Titans OLB Dre’Mont Jones is the perfect addition to a defense that has just 11 sacks and has relied too much on blitzing.

    New York Jets: They got two first-round picks from the Colts for CB Sauce Gardner, who made All-Pro in his first two seasons but has since regressed some, and another from Dallas for DT Quinnen Williams along with a second-rounder from Dallas. The Jets need a future quarterback, and new GM Darren Mougey now has plenty of ammo to move up in the draft for one – five first-round picks over the next two seasons – and rebuild the roster. It’s risky to give up on proven talent for assets, but the Jets need as many chips as possible to find their future QB.

    Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold is on fire, and the Seahawks needed to capitalize on it by giving him more firepower. With his blazing speed, former Saints WR Rashid Shaheed will be an ideal deep-threat complement to emerging star WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba, who can do damage at all levels of the field. Shaheed already knows the offense, as Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak held the same position last season for New Orleans. Shaheed could push the Seahawks ahead in the tight NFC West race. A fourth- and fifth-round pick wasn’t too much for what Shaheed brings.

    Los Angeles Rams: You might’ve forgotten they acquired CB Roger McCreary from the Titans last week, or you might not have even known who McCary is. It’s not a splashy move but McCreary can play the slot, which lets the Rams use emerging star DB Quintin Lake in a hybrid playmaking role on the back end. The Rams play exotic coverages that blend well with their young, imposing defensive front. Having McCreary and Lake patrol the defensive backfield alleviates some of their issues at outside corner.

    Losers 🤯🤯🤯

    Dallas Cowboys: Decided to “upgrade” the NFL’s second-worst defense by trading for a linebacker who couldn’t even get on the field for the NFL’s worst defense. You can’t make this up. Maybe LB Logan Wilson wasn’t the best scheme fit for Al Golden’s defense in Cincinnati but it’s hard to see him as the savior for a Cowboys defense that has holes everywhere, especially the secondary. Then they traded a first-round and second-round pick along with DT Mazi Smith for DT Quinnen Williams, a Pro Bowl lineman who surely helps their defensive front but is also on his second contract. How many more good years will they get from Williams compared to what a first-round pick could give them? Giving up multiple high picks is the kind of move a team makes if the player being acquired is the difference-maker for a Super Bowl run. Dallas isn’t one or two moves from Super Bowl contention. The Cowboys should’ve saved their assets.

    Indianapolis Colts: Giving up two first-round picks and a top-55 pick in WR Adonai Mitchell for CB Sauce Gardner only works if a) Gardner regains All-Pro form, and b) if the Colts are committed to QB Daniel Jones for the future. What happens if Jones, who just struggled against the Steelers, regresses in the second half? If Jones isn’t the long-term answer, the Colts have no ammo to get another quarterback. Also, Gardner’s base salary balloons to more than $20 million annually for the next three seasons, so Gardner needs to play like a top-five corner for this to work out. I appreciate the big swing from GM Chris Ballard, but it could be a swing from his ankles. 

    Green Bay Packers: Despite losing star TE Tucker Kraft for the season, Green Bay sat still and didn’t try to help an offense that’s sporadic or a defense that could’ve used some assistance in the secondary. Browns TE David N’Joku would’ve been a solid add, especially with as many two-tight end formations that the Packers like to employ. After making a titanic splash to compete for a Super Bowl by trading for Micah Parsons, Green Bay’s quiet trade deadline is disappointing. The Packers are still good, but they missed an opportunity to become elite.

    Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags at 5-3 aren’t serious contenders. They just barely beat the Raiders and recently lost Travis Hunter to injured reserve from a knee injury he suffered at practice. Spencer Rattler, Geno Smith, Carson Wentz and Bryce Young all have higher passer ratings than Trevor Lawrence (71.5). The new GM should be pawning off RB Travis Etienne and other pieces to stockpile draft picks. Instead, the Jags surrendered two picks for WR Jakobi Meyers, a seventh-year slot receiver who has had one 1,000-yard season for a bad Raiders team. Even worse, Meyers will be a free agent after the season. That’s a dubious overpay for two months of a slot receiver.

    Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes is a few yards away from being their second-leading rusher and one rushing touchdown from sharing the team lead. Isiah Pacheco is hurt again and can’t be relied on to stay healthy. The Chiefs couldn’t find a way to do better here? There’s a bunch of ball carriers out there who could’ve helped – Jerome Ford, Tony Pollard, maybe even Breece Hall. They missed an opportunity to ease the burden on Mahomes.


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    Geoff Mosher

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  • Renck & File: Giants’ Jaxson Dart is having fun. He won’t be smiling vs. Broncos on Sunday

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    Time for the anvil to drop on Arm&Hammer.

    Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo have injected enthusiasm into the veins of a long-suffering fanbase, hope into a long-suffering franchise. They have a cool aforementioned nickname.

    Skattebo has been a revelation. Cast as a situational player in the draft, he boasts 338 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He is Brian Bosworth meets Mike Alstott, inspiring teammates with his rock’em, sock’em robot running style. He leads with his chin in every conversation and carry.

    But Dart needs to cool his jets. If, for no other reason, based on what just happened to the Jets.

    Some cayenne pepper got sprinkled on Sunday’s game with trash talk, sanitized as it was. Reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week Jonathon Cooper made it clear he is not impressed with Dart, saying, “He’s feeling himself a lil’ bit. He’s out there running around. He’s got the chain on. He’s dancing. I feel like everybody needs something, you know.”

    It was a warning. Dart found it amusing.

    “I think a lot of guys wear chains and dance when they score touchdowns,” Dart told the New York Post. “I appreciate him following my dance touchdowns.”

    Covering players like Dart is a blast. But quarterbacks lacking humility get clobbered by reality.

    Drew Lock ring any bells?

    He was the singing QB with the nifty backpack celebration until he wasn’t. He has been cast as a career backup since 2021. Dart is more athletic than Lock, but his total disregard for his body and overconfidence have helped him lead the league in blue tent visits the past three weeks.

    This Broncos defense is frothing, eager to put on a show to impress the Super Bowl 50 champions, who will be honored at halftime.

    Dart is great for the Giants, even if his yards per play are worse than Russell Wilson’s. He loves attention. He just picked the wrong week to engage in verbal jousting. The Broncos have not allowed a touchdown at home, while posting nine sacks.

    Good luck “Hanging with Mr. Cooper” on Sunday, Dart.

    It is the team, not QB: Time to stop pointing the finger at first-round quarterbacks who fail when history shows coaching and organizational dysfunction is largely to blame. Baker Mayfield is 5-1, and an MVP candidate. Daniel Jones is 5-1 and an MVP candidate. Sam Darnold is 4-2 for Seattle. Here are the records of the teams that drafted them: Cleveland is 1-5, the Giants are 2-3-1 and the Jets are winless.

    Wrong tone: The Chiefs welcome back receiver Rashee Rice this week. Can folks stop acting like he is returning from knee surgery? He was suspended for six games for his involvement in a six-car crash that resulted in multiple injuries and led Rice to plead guilty to two felony charges. His absence had nothing to do with his health.

    Latin for winning: Talked to Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas. And teammates about Jonas Valanciunas. It is clear he has bought into his role as Nikola Jokic’s backup on a team with championship expectations, following the “Age Quod Agis” message posted on the practice wall. Translated, it means: “Do what you do.” Valanciunas gets it.

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  • Seahawks stave off Cardinals with game-winning field goal in thrilling win on the road

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    The Seattle Seahawks held off their NFC West rival, the Arizona Cardinals, in a 23-20 victory on the road on Thursday night.

    The Seahawks improved to 3-1 to start the early season, while the Cardinals fell to 2-2. 

    There wasn’t much coming from the Cardinals’ offense in this game, but the fourth quarter made the game very interesting as Kyler Murray finally got some momentum going. 

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    Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) scores a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) and safety Jalen Thompson (34) in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 25, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

    Marvin Harrison Jr., who was having a rough game at that point, was trusted by Murray on a pass to the end zone, and he hauled it in over Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon to make it a one-score game after the extra point. 

    Sam Darnold and the Seahawks, owning a 20-13 lead, knew they could seal victory with a long drive, killing clock and making it a two-score game. It looked like that was coming when Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught a 36-yard pass on third-and-6 to get into Cardinals territory. 

    But three plays later, Jason Myers was trying a 53-yard field goal and he missed wide right to keep the Cardinals’ hopes alive. And Murray delivered the drive his team needed to tie it up. 

    SEAHAWKS’ INTERCEPTION TURNS INTO FUMBLE AFTER DEFENDER RUNS INTO OWN TEAMMATE

    The Cardinals went 12 plays and 57 yards in just under three minutes, as running back Emari Demercado was wide open on second-and-goal and he ran into the end zone for the tie following the extra point with 28 seconds left to play in regulation. 

    There was a slim chance Darnold could get Myers back in his field goal range to try a game-winner, but that all changed when Chad Ryland’s kickoff attempt failed to get into the designated landing zone between the goal line and the 20-yard line. The ball bounced just before the 20-yard line, giving Seattle the ball at their own 40-yard line. 

    Darnold got the ball onto Arizona’s side thanks to a perfect pass to Smith-Njigba for a 22-yard gain. After a Zach Charbonnet four-yard run, Myers had another chance from almost the same distance as he lined up a 52-yarder. 

    A.J. Barner scores touchdown

    Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) spikes the ball after his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, on Sept. 25, 2025. (IMAGN)

    This time, it was true as the Seahawks celebrated their victory in a big divisional matchup. 

    As noted, this game wasn’t an offensive thriller as both defenses were playing their opponents well. However, Darnold was able to orchestrate two touchdown drives, finding tight end A.J. Barner from 16 yards out for the team’s first points on the scoreboard, while Charbonnet ran one in at the goal line in the second quarter to head into the locker room with a 14-3 lead. 

    Both teams would find a field goal in the third quarter before the fourth turned this game into a thriller. 

    Looking at the stat sheet, Darnold was 18-of-26 for 242 yards with his touchdown pass and no interceptions, with Smith-Njigba leading the way with 79 yards on just four catches. Kenneth Walker III may not have found the end zone, but he did lead the rushing attack with 81 yards on 19 carries compared to Charbonnet’s 39 yards on 12 touches in the backfield. 

    Sam Darnold looks to pass

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 25, 2025. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)

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    As for the Cardinals, Murray was 27-of-41 with two touchdown passes and two interceptions thrown, including one that luckily went back to Arizona after Cobe Bryant ran into his own Seahawks teammate and fumbled while returning the pick. Harrison was the leading receiver with 66 yards on six catches. 

    Trey Benson, who will be filling in for James Conner the remainder of the season after his year-ending foot injury last week, had 35 yards on just eight carries in his first game as the team’s primary running back. He also had five catches from Murray for 19 yards. 

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  • Brady, Bucs rally to beat Panthers 30-24, clinch NFC South

    Brady, Bucs rally to beat Panthers 30-24, clinch NFC South

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are headed back to the playoffs, confident they’re still capable of making this a special season.

    Brady threw for 432 yards and three long touchdowns to Mike Evans, and Bucs (8-8) erased a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit for the second week in a row to clinch their second straight NFC South championship with a 30-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

    “Every year you try to win the division and we won the division. It doesn’t matter how you win the division. My heart ain’t got much left in it, but it feels great,” coach Todd Bowles said. “We’re in one spot we need to be. We can’t get where we want to be unless we win the division. We won the division.”

    Evans finished with 10 catches for 207 yards, scoring on receptions of 63, 57, and 30 yards and becoming the first player in NFL history to begin a career with nine consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving.

    The TDs were first for Evans since Oct. 2 — a stretch of 12 games — and hiked his season total to six after scoring 14 times in 2021 and 13 two years ago, when Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl.

    “We’ve battled through a lot of tough things this year,” Brady said. “Happy to win the division. It’s always tough to do it. NFL games are tough to win and we always figure out a way to keep them somehow exciting. I wish they wouldn’t be as exciting as we made them.”

    The Panthers (6-10) led 14-0 early and 21-10 after Sam Darnold’s third TD pass of the day, 10 seconds into the fourth quarter.

    It was all Bucs from there, with Evans beating cornerback C.J. Henderson for touchdowns twice and Darnold losing a fumble on a sack inside his own 10. That turnover set up Brady’s 1-yard TD sneak, which put the game out of reach with 1:58 left.

    The Bucs can finish the regular season with a winning record by beating Atlanta on the road next weekend. As division champs, they are assured of beginning the playoffs with a home game in two weeks.

    “The playoffs start a clean slate for everybody,” Bowles said. “You’ve got a three-game elimination tournament. Doesn’t matter where you are. … At least we know we’ll be in the games. We just have to cut down on the mistakes in order to win them.”

    The Panthers, who had won four of six to climb back into playoff contention after firing coach Matt Rhule and trading star running back Christian McCaffrey, could have clinched their first NFC South title since 2015 by beating the Bucs and then winning at New Orleans.

    Instead, they wound up missing the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Among the priorities entering the offseason will be determining the future of interim coach Steve Wilks, as well as Darnold, who will be an unrestricted free agent.

    “Obviously we knew what we were playing for. … We were right there,” Darnold said. “At the end, we just couldn’t get it done.”

    Darnold threw for 341 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also lost two fumbles while falling to 3-2 since becoming Carolina’s starter on Thanksgiving weekend.

    A week after rushing for 320 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-23 victory over Detroit, the Panthers rode Darnold’s arm to their early 14-0 lead and were in complete control until Brady found Evans racing up the right sideline for 63-yard catch-and-run to get the Bucs going.

    Two plays later, Darnold mishandled a snap in shotgun formation and compounded the mistake by whiffing when he tried to pick up the ball, leaving linebacker Devin White to recover the fumble at the Carolina 13.

    Ryan Succop’s 22-yard field goal trimmed Tampa Bay’s deficit to 14-10 just before halftime, but the Bucs wasted an opportunity to pull closer — or possibly take the lead — when a 90-yard drive stalled inside the Panthers 10 and Succop had a 26-yard field-goal attempt blocked.

    Darnold completed 23 of 37 passes with TDs of 17 yards to Tommy Tremble, 24 yards to D.J. Moore and 19 yards to Shi Smith, the last putting Carolina up 21-10. The Panthers, meanwhile, rushed for just 74 yards as D’Onta Foreman was limited to 35 yards on 13 carries and Chuba Hubbard was held to 20 yards on five attempts.

    “Very frustrating. We worked hard to get to this position. Nobody was going to hand us anything or give us anything,” Foreman said.

    “We fought hard. Nobody gave up. Everybody knew what the task was,” Foreman added. “Unfortunately that’s part of the NFL. Sometimes it just doesn’t work out.”

    RING OF HONOR

    Retired coach Bruce Arians, who helped recruit Brady before leading Tampa Bay to its second Super Bowl championship two years ago, was inducted into the Bucs’ Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony.

    Arians is the latest addition to a select group that includes Hall of Famers Tony Dungy, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Lee Roy Selmon, as well as Ronde Barber, Mike Alstott, Doug Williams, Jimmie Giles, John McKay, Paul Gruber, Monte Kiffin and Malcolm Glazer.

    INJURIES

    Panthers: Played without top CB Jaycee Horn (broken wrist), leaving Henderson to try to cover Evans much of the day.

    Buccaneers: CB Carlton Davis (shoulder) and LB Carl Nassib (pectoral) were inactive. Rookie RB Rachaad White left the game with what appeared to be a hand injury but returned in the fourth quarter.

    UP NEXT

    Panthers: Regular season finale at New Orleans next Sunday.

    Buccaneers: At Atlanta next weekend.

    ———

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

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  • Panthers run past Lions 37-23, maintain division title hopes

    Panthers run past Lions 37-23, maintain division title hopes

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — D’Onta Foreman knew the Carolina Panthers’ offensive linemen meant business when they walked into a meeting room following Friday’s walkthrough practice. They were silent, and wearing full-length black ski masks.

    To Foreman, it meant the linemen were focused — and ready to bounce back from a disappointing showing the week before.

    They did just that Saturday.

    Foreman ran for a career-high 165 yards and a touchdown and the Panthers racked up a franchise-record 320 yards on the ground behind a dominating performance up front to beat the Detroit Lions 37-23 and keep their NFC South title hopes alive.

    Chuba Hubbard also had a career best by rushing for 125 yards for the Panthers, who had been held to 21 yards on 16 carries in a home loss to Pittsburgh six days earlier.

    “Our guys were challenged,” Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks said. “We got embarrassed last week in so many fashions and they bounced back and showed their true character in how we practiced last week and, most importantly, in how we came out today and performed. Those guys up front accepted to challenge and were coming off the ball.”

    Sam Darnold completed 15 of 22 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score to improve to 3-1 as Carolina’s starting QB. Raheem Blackshear and D.J. Moore also scored for the Panthers, who amassed a team-record 570 yards of offense in the coldest game ever played at Bank of America Stadium.

    The Panthers had seven runs of 20 yards or more against a Lions defense that had allowed just 84 yards rushing per game over the last five weeks. Foreman and Hubbard both exceeded 100 yards rushing in the first half as the Panthers built a 24-7 lead.

    Both running backs said they felt at times the Lions didn’t even want to tackle them on Carolina’s unforgiving artificial turf.

    “Definitely,” Hubbard said. “We pride ourselves on just wearing on a team, and when it gets cold out here like this, not too many people want to get hit or do any tackling — and that definitely showed.”

    Carolina (6-9) can clinch its first division title since 2015 with wins at Tampa Bay and New Orleans.

    Detroit (7-8) came in having won six of its previous seven games to pull within a half-game of Washington in the race for the NFC’s final wild card spot entering the weekend.

    Lions coach Dan Campbell called the loss “tough to swallow.”

    “Ultimately, when you play that way, it falls on me,” Campbell said. “I didn’t have them ready to go. That wasn’t good enough. That was a hungry team that we played. And we didn’t look as hungry. That’s the bottom line.”

    Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes to third-string tight end Shane Zylstra for the Lions.

    The temperature was 20 degrees at kickoff with a wind chill of 9, and the Panthers made it clear they were going to pound the ball. They ran five times for 85 yards on their opening possession and took a 7-0 lead with Blackshear scoring on a 7-yard run. Hubbard, who got the start over Foreman, carried three times for 70 yards on the drive.

    The Lions countered with a 3-yard TD pass from Goff to Zylstra. Following a fumble by Goff, the Panthers proceeded to score 17 straight points to close the half by repeatedly running through gaping holes.

    Darnold scored on a 3-yard quarterback keeper and Foreman added a 4-yard TD run to make it 21-7.

    With 59 seconds left in the half and leading by 14, the Panthers used the running game to go 68 yards in less than a minute and set up the first of Eddy Pineiro’s three field goals.

    Carolina had 364 yards by halftime, a first-half franchise record.

    Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton, who came up with the idea for the ski masks, said the offensive line learned from last week’s loss.

    “We were able to run the ball when and how we wanted to run it and Sam was able to stay up and stay clean and that sounds like a great day at the office to me,” Moton said.

    TOUGH TURF

    Several Carolina players have complained about the synthetic surface at Bank of America Stadium, and Detroit’s Goff joined that chorus after the game.

    “I thought the field conditions were below NFL level standard, specifically pregame,” Goff said. “It warmed up as the game wore on. I don’t what the deal is here. But they need to figure out a way to make the field not feel like cement. Why that is, I don’t know.”

    INJURIES

    Lions: RB Jamaal Williams suffered a lower-body injury but returned.

    Panthers: Wilks didn’t have an update on CB Jaycee Horn’s injury after the game, but defensive end Brian Burns said Horn broke his wrist in the fourth quarter. … WR Shi Smith (foot, head) left in the third quarter.

    UP NEXT

    Lions: Host Chicago on Jan. 1. The Lions beat the Bears 31-30 on Nov. 13.

    Panthers: Visit Tampa Bay on Jan. 1. The Panthers beat the Bucs 21-3 on Oct. 23.

    ———

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

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  • Panthers waive struggling QB Mayfield, a former No. 1 pick

    Panthers waive struggling QB Mayfield, a former No. 1 pick

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers waived struggling quarterback Baker Mayfield on Monday after the 2018 No. 1 draft pick asked for his release.

    Mayfield would be subject to waivers and become a free agent if he goes unclaimed.

    The move does not come as a surprise, because Sam Darnold replaced Mayfield after his failed second stint as starting quarterback, and the Panthers like what they have in P.J. Walker. The move gives Mayfield a chance to potentially land with a team that needs quarterback help.

    San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson all suffered injuries over the weekend.

    Mayfield was 1-5 as Carolina’s starting QB and completed just 57.8% of his passes with six touchdowns and six interceptions.

    The Panthers traded for Mayfield earlier this season and he won the job in training camp. They will send the Cleveland Browns a fifth-round pick in 2024 as compensation for the trade.

    ———

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  • Panthers QB Darnold (ankle) returns to practice

    Panthers QB Darnold (ankle) returns to practice

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold returned to practice Wednesday for the first time in almost eight weeks sporting a full red beard and a left ankle healed enough to give him another shot at starting in the next couple of weeks.

    But whether he gets a second chance to start after losing the job to Baker Mayfield in training camp or remains the backup, Darnold’s priority is to help a team that is 1-5 this season and the loser of 12 of the last 13 games find a way to win.

    “It’s a tough situation that we’re all in, you know, losing,” Darnold said. “I’m not looking forward to whether I’m the backup or whether I’m starting, losing sucks.”

    Darnold was designated for return from injured reserve Wednesday, opening a 21-day window to be elevated to the 53-man roster.

    He’s not expected to be elevated before Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) unless the Panthers opt to keep three quarterbacks, and that is unlikely. Interim coach Steve Wilks already has named PJ Walker as his starter for the second straight week with Mayfield still out with a high ankle sprain and Jacob Eason as the backup.

    Next week at Atlanta or the following week at the Cincinnati Bengals is a more realistic timetable for Darnold to be ready.

    But Wilks said Darnold, who ran the scout team Wednesday, looked good and he wanted to see him play in a game this season. This came after Wilks said on Monday Mayfield was not guaranteed the starting job when healthy.

    “Whenever I get my opportunity I’ll be ready to roll,” Darnold said. “I’m not too worried about anything else other than that.”

    Darnold said he didn’t feel any vindication that Carolina struggled under Mayfield, 1-4 as the starter, in much the same way it did last year when he went 4-7 as the starter.

    “For me, it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity, but also taking it one play at a time,” he said. “I’ve said all along, I’ve said it since my rookie year [with the New York Jets], as a quarterback there’s so much going on every single play. You can’t look past one play.

    “I can’t worry about, ‘Oh, if I get in there I’ve got to take advantage of this. Obviously, if that’s the case, I’d like to take advantage of the opportunity. But when I’m in there I’m really focused on one play at a time.”

    Darnold suffered a high left ankle sprain late in the third quarter of the Aug. 26 preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills after Mayfield won the starting job in what the team called an open competition. He was placed on injured reserve Sept. 1 and missed the first six games during a start that saw the Panthers fire head coach Matt Rhule after Week 5.

    Darnold showed good mobility in agility drills during the practice portion open to the media and in running the scout team. Cheering him on was Mayfield, who suffered a left ankle sprain in the Week 5 loss to San Francisco.

    Mayfield was not in a walking boot and looked good in agility drills, but appears at least another week from returning to practice, and even then there are no guarantees.

    Mayfield compiled a 15.5 Total QBR that was the lowest after five games since ESPN began recording the statistic in 2006. Walker wasn’t any better during Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He had a 5.6 QBR, completing 10 of 16 pass attempts for 60 yards before leaving in the fourth quarter with a neck injury.

    Their performance is why some Carolina fans are anxious to see the return of Darnold even though he took much of the blame for last season’s 5-12 record, ranking 29th in the league with a 38.8 QBR.

    “I’m used to it all,” Darnold said. “Whatever the fans say, they’re going to say. Don’t get me wrong. I love the fans. They’re what makes this game so great.

    “But when things aren’t going well people are going to say a lot of different things.”

    When Darnold gets his chance fans will notice his beard that caught some of his family off guard last weekend when he visited with them in Los Angeles.

    “They were like, ‘Oh, what the heck, like looking for me,’” Darnold joked. “I’m like, ‘I’m right here.”

    Running back Christian McCaffrey jokingly said Darnold has to keep the beard.

    “I love his beard, yes,” he said. “The leprechaun vibes. He’s got to keep it.”

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