Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a five-yard touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Credit: Getty Images/Mike Comer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Perhaps he will take a moment when he’s alone, or when he’s speaking with friends or family. Maybe then Sam Darnold will admit just how good it felt to beat the team that gave up on him after just three seasons.
But in the moments after Sunday’s 19-14 win over the Jets and Zach Wilson, the quarterback who replaced him, Darnold was not willing to indulge in any public chest thumping.