Darnold, Panthers roll to 3-0

Ex-Jet Sam Darnold threw for 304 yards and ran for two touchdowns, and the visiting Panthers eased past the Texans, 24-9, on Thursday night despite losing Christian McCaffrey to an injury early in the second quarter.

The Panthers are 3-0 for the first time since 2015, when they opened the season 14-0 and reached the Super Bowl.

Carolina’s defense put the squeeze on Houston rookie Davis Mills in his first career start, sacking him four times and holding him to 168 yards passing. Mills was pressed into action after Tyrod Taylor suffered a hamstring injury last Sunday.

Darnold was efficient as he continues to revitalize his career with the Panthers after being cast aside by the Jets. But he could face some serious adversity if McCaffrey, who left with a hamstring injury in the second quarter, is forced to miss significant time.

McCaffrey came in leading the league in scrimmage yards, the same thing he did in the 2019 season. But he missed all but three games last year with various injuries as the Panthers sputtered to 5-11 in coach Matt Rhule’s first year.

Darnold rushed for Carolina’s first score in the first quarter and put the game away when he bulled in from one yard out for to make it 24-9 with four minutes left.

RANGERS HONOR ROD

The Rangers announced Thursday they’ll honor late Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert this season by wearing a patch featuring his No. 7 on their jerseys.

Players will also wear white “Gilbert” jerseys for pregame warmups prior to the home opener at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 14. They will then be signed and auctioned off for charity.

That game takes place on the 42nd anniversary of Gilbert becoming the first Rangers player to have his number retired. It’s against the Dallas Stars almost 44 years since he scored two points on “Rod Gilbert Night” against the Minnesota North Stars.

The Rangers are also creating the Rod Gilbert “Mr. Ranger” award to recognize the player who best honors his legacy by showing leadership on and off the ice and making contributions to the community. It’s the franchise’s first new award since 1988.

Gilbert died in August at age 80.