The Carolina Panthers were sent to their third straight loss on Sunday. And, based on how things have been going for them lately, they’re probably lucky only half of the division even played on the current slate.
Regardless, let’s take a look around, or just around the corner, of what went down in the NFC South here in Week 6.
Panthers fall prey to Vikings in 36-28 overtime loss
Carolina was nothing short of an utter mess for the vast majority of this game. Their offense looked as if its players were just introduced to one another minutes before kickoff and the defense paid the price for it.
So it’s a miracle (not of the Minnesota variety) that they sent this one into overtime.
Quarterback Sam Darnold put his miserable day (17-of-41, 207 yards, one interception, one lost fumble) behind him for a one-minute, 27-second span, leading the Panthers on a 96-yard scoring drive to help knot the game at 28. He found receiver Robby Anderson, then rookie tight end Tommy Tremble, respectively, for the touchdown and game-tying two-point conversion.
Fellow passer Kirk Cousins, however, put a damper on that, as he found wideout K.J. Osborn for a 27-yard walk-off score to clinch the game. Cousins didn’t divide himself on Sunday, completing 33 of his 48 throws for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
Bucs hold off Eagles, 28-22, on Thursday night
No Minnesota Miracles or Philly Specials this week, folks.
Tom Brady got the better of an old Super Bowl foe, passing for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns to push the Buccaneers past the Eagles. The main beneficiary of Brady’s night was former roomie Antonio Brown, who reeled in nine catches for 93 yards and one of those end zone visits.
Running back Leonard Fournette was heavily involved as well. The former fourth overall pick ate up 22 carries for 81 yards and two scores. He also added in six receptions for 46 yards.
New Orleans Saints: Bye
Atlanta Falcons: Bye
NFC South standings through Week 6
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
2. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
3. Carolina Panthers (3-3)
4. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)