Shifting to their third starting quarterback of the 2022 season, Carolina Panthers took an “Ah, let’s just see what he’s got” approach under center this week. So, what did he have?
Buy Panthers TicketsHere’s everything we know from the Panthers’ Week 12 win over the Denver Broncos.
Final score: Panthers 23, Broncos 10
Keys to the game
- Quarterback Sam Darnold gave the Panthers enough to run a functioning offense. But more importantly, he didn’t stop it from functioning—completing 11 of 19 throws for 164 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.
- Carolina, in turn, was able to control the game through their ground attack. Running backs D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard shared 41 carries and turned it into 178 yards, tilting the time-of-possession battle to a substantial 37:05 to 22:55 edge.
- The Panthers also, obviously, kept Russell Wilson and the Broncos under control. Wilson, who connected on 19 of 35 attempts, threw for 142 yards and was sacked three times.
It was over when . . .
With the Broncos struggling to move the ball all afternoon, the Panthers didn’t need much scoring to put this game out of reach. So, when Darnold literally rolled into the end zone for a 1-yard “rushing” touchdown off a fumble recovery, Carolina’s 17-3 lead felt insurmountable at the 7:21 mark of the third quarter.
But, just for good measure, they’d hike that lead up to 20-3 on a 26-yard field goal from Eddy Piñeiro—his second of the day—with just under nine minutes remaining in the game. Those points were set up by a beautiful 52-yard reception by wideout DJ Moore earlier in the drive.
Players of the game
- WR DJ Moore: four receptions, 103 yards, touchdown
- RB D’Onta Foreman: 24 carries, 113 rushing yards
- DE Brian Burns: three tackles, 2.0 sacks, forced fumble
What's next?
Interim head coach Steve Wilks and his 4-9 Panthers will now head into their bye. They resume play in Week 14, when they travel to take on the Seattle Seahawks.
