NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Dolphins hurt by trade talk, Bears look foolish

We finally got an extended look at former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold as the starter for the Carolina Panthers. After three frustrating seasons in New York, the Jets elected to send Darnold to Carolina as they decided to take Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Darnold was likely fine with this move because the Panthers have a better roster than the Jets — especially when it comes to his wide receivers. Both Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore topped 1,000-yards last season and now with Darnold, they should be able to again.

They’ve also thrown rookie Terrace Marshall, Jr. into the mix, a player who could really open things up. Marshall played well in their finale as he and Darnold even connected on a 13-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Darnold also hit Anderson for another, finishing the game with 162 yards and two touchdowns while helping Carolina knock off the Steelers 34-9.

The entire success isn’t all on Darnold’s shoulders though. Carolina will need to continue to improve on defense and they are hopeful that he will be able to lean on Christian McCaffrey as well after the star running back spent much of the 2020 season banged up.

Carolina has some of the pieces, but we have yet to see if it makes a complete puzzle.