Measure of revenge

Darnold, defense lead Panthers past Jets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If beating the team that traded him gave Sam Darnold any vindication, the fourth-year quarterback certainly wasn’t sharing it. “No, not for me,” Darnold said.

Darnold maintained his even-keeled persona after throwing for 279 yards and a touchdown and running for another score, helping the Carolina Panthers defeat the New York Jets 19-14 on Sunday for their first win in a season opener since 2018.

He connected on a 57yard touchdown pass with fellow ex-Jet Robby An

once since winning their fourth Super Bowl in February 2012.

Denver won the ball possession battle 35:08 to 24:52 as its offense converted 7 of 15 on third down and 3 of 3 on fourth down.

The Broncos came into the season opener off a perfect preseason and they showed that was not a fluke. Von Miller, playing for the first time since 2019, had an early sack and finished with two sacks. Aided by his big run, Gordon finished with 101 yards on 11 carries.

Denver took a 10-7 lead on a 2-yard pass from Bridgewater to Patrick with :08 left in the first half. It capped a 7-play, 57-yard drive that featured a 14-yard pass from

Bridgewater to Courtland Sutton on a fourth-and-2 from the Giants 49.

New York had taken the lead on the catch and run by Shepard on the series after McManus’ field goal.

INJURIES

Broncos: LB Bradley Chubb missed the game with an ankle injury. Second-year wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was carted off the field in the third quarter and did not return. He had six catches for a team-high 72 yards.

Giants: Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram missed the game with a calf injury.

UP NEXT

Broncos: at Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 19.

Giants: Short turnaround. At Washington on Thursday night.

Adam Hunger / Associated Press Broncos running back Melvin Gordon runs past the Giants' Adoree’ Jackson (22) and Lorenzo Carter for a touchdown during the second half on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. The Broncos won 27-13.