A 10-7 result in 2023 doesn’t come without some good and some ugly.
Here are the studs and duds for the Carolina Panthers’ in their Week 18 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Stud: RB D'Onta Foreman
Although he was pointed to an early exit, Foreman was the offense through nearly two and a half quarters. Before his ejection three minutes into the second half, the fifth-year running back took 12 carries for 68 yards.
He finishes his eye-opening 2022 campaign with a team-leading 914 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Dud: QB Sam Darnold
Darnold had a lot working against him on Sunday. Not only was he facing a hot Saints defense, but he was doing so with a soft performance from his offensive line and a lifeless one from his wideouts.
Nonetheless, he threw two picks while completing a career-low five passes on 15 attempts with another career-low of 43 passing yards. The Panthers ended the day with 32 net passing yards.
Stud: G Michael Jordan
Not only did the Panthers win a football game with just 32 net passing yards, but they also won a football game where their only touchdown came from a fumble recovery by an offensive lineman.
In place of an injured Brady Christensen, Jordan took advantage of quite a peculiar opportunity. Thanks to Darnold, who fumbled right before hitting the goal line in the third quarter, the fourth-year hog molly jumped on the rock for six.
Jordan helped the Panthers become the third team since 2000 to win a game in which their only touchdown was scored by an offensive lineman.
Dud: The rest of the Panthers OL
Like we said, Carolina’s offensive trench didn’t have their best day.
While they were very busy trying to pave the way for 41 rushing attempts, the line failed to give Darnold sufficient enough time in the pocket. If not for Sam’s legs, which were also very busy, the group would’ve been charged with much more than their two sacks.
Studs: K Eddy Piñeiro and P Johnny Hekker
Since the offense wasn’t really working, the Panthers needed some major help from their legs.
One of those gams belonged to Hekker, who launched six punts for an average of 46.8 yards. He also pinned four of those inside the 20-yard line, setting a new single-season franchise record (39) in that department.
Then came “Steady Eddy.” Piñeiro booted through the 42-yard game-winner as time expired. That was his 19th consecutive field goal made, helping him finish with what was nearly a league-leading 94.3-percent conversion rate.
Duds: Panthers WRs
Carolina’s pass catchers seemingly failed to separate all afternoon.
Before Terrace Marshall Jr.’s 21-yard reception to set up Piñeiro’s kick in the fourth, Panthers receivers combined for 22 yards on four catches.
Stud: Panthers defense
Yup! The whole darn crew.
Sunday looked like it was going to be a long one from the jump, as the Panthers allowed a four-minute, 75-yard touchdown drive to the Saints on their first very touch. But they’d clamp down.
The final numbers weren’t particularly bare for New Orleans, as they finished with just one turnover and 304 total yards. Carolina, however, limited them to just 72 yards in the second half while keeping the scoreboard motionless on the home side the rest of the way out.
