Vikings Crush Panthers’ Comeback in OT: Game Observations

A ferocious, ‘cardiac cats’ esque fourth-quarter comeback wasn’t enough for the Carolina Panthers as they fell to the Minnesota Vikings 34-28. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins connected with KJ Osborn for the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Here are the takeaways from the week six loss.

Mutual Disappointment

Sam Darnold’s been out of sync during the past two games. He threw three interceptions last week against the Eagles, and opened the first drive of the game with another pick. Help from Carolina’s receivers was non-existent for most of the game. The clearest example is Darnold targeting Robby Anderson nine times for a catch with no yards at one point. There were throws that Anderson had no business dropping. However, Darnold overthrew his share of passes as well. Darnold’s struggles throughout the game shouldn’t be a surprise when you think about it.

Before Christian McCaffrey injured his hamstring against the Texans, Darnold and the Panthers’ offense (as a whole) were overly reliant on CMC. With CMC in the lineup, Darnold checked down and short passed like it was going out of style, while Anderson and DJ Moore were an afterthought – for the most part. When it was time to rely on the duo, Darnold struggled. Why? because Darnold hasn’t developed much chemistry with Anderson and Moore, leading up to moments like this without CMC. The fourth-quarter rally could be a starting point to develop chemistry as the weeks progress.

Blocked Punt Touchdown Sparked Comeback

For the first time since 1998, the Panthers recorded a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown. Down 12-10 with seven minutes left in the third, Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu shot through a gap and blocked the attempted punt from the Vikings’ Jordan Berry from their own 24-yard line. Safety Kenny Robinson grabbed the loose ball and ran it in for the touchdown. Again, defense leads to offense.

Slippage on Defense?

Vikings WR Adam Thielen found cracks in the Panthers’ secondary and came through when needed. Thielen went for 126 yards and a touchdown off of eleven grabs. There were blown assignments on the front seven and the secondary, leading to 571 yards of total offense for the Vikings. Granted, the defense isn’t healthy, but blown coverages regardless of who’s on the field is inexcusable.