Jets drop their season opener to the Panthers 19-14

The Zach Wilson-led New York Jets lost to former Jet quarterback Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday afternoon, 19-14.

The first seven combined offensive drives for both teams didn’t result in points, only punts and turnovers; a fumble by Sam Darnold and an interception by Zach Wilson.

But after the interception run back by Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, the Panthers gained some confidence, and proceeded to gain yards on New York.

The following drive was capped with a Ryan Santiago field goal. The next drive was a 57-yard touchdown bomb to wide receiver Robby Anderson. The next drive after that ended with a Sam Darnold touchdown rush. At halftime, the Panthers were blanking the Jets 16-0.

With 1:35 left in the third quarter, the Jets scored their first touchdown and two-point conversion, cutting the score 16-8. The Jets showed fight in the second half with a late game touchdown, but couldn’t climb out the hole they dug in the first half.

Wilson finished with 258 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He was also sacked four times for 31 yards. Wide receiver Corey Davis finished with 5 catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins recovered a fumble.

The Jets had a hard time containing Christian McCaffrey, who rushed for 98 yards on 21 carries, and caught 9 balls for 89 yards. Former Jet quarterback Sam Darnold went 24-35 for 279 yards and one touchdown pass. Former Jet wide receiver Robby Anderson had one reception for 57 yards and a touchdown. Dj Moore had 6 receptions for 80 yards.