Jets vs. Panthers Week 1 recap: Everything we know

Zach Wilson brought the Jets within striking distance of a comeback in his NFL debut, but New York fell short in Carolina on Sunday.

The Jets lost their Week 1 matchup, 19-14, against Sam Darnold and the Panthers. New York’s failures in the trenches played a large part in its defeat, but so did a pair of ex-Jets.

Here, we’ll take a look at a Week 1 loss that felt a little too familiar in a few different ways.

Final Score: Panthers 19, Jets 14

Game Notes

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Crushed & Rushed: New York's pass protection looked pathetic in Sunday's opener, and it's a miracle Wilson wasn't injured.The rookie took six sacks, 10 QB hits, and found himself under unrelenting pressure in his debut. The Jets' run protection was just as bad; Gang Green tallied 45 yards on the ground. Mike LaFleur's offense was stagnant throughout the afternoon, and the pitiful trench play was the leading culprit. It needs to be fixed immediately after an uninspiring training camp. Wilson's Debut: Factoring in the constant pressure, Wilson delivered a mixed performance while attending his first-ever regular season NFL game. He held on to a few balls for too long and threw an interception, but he also demonstrated his escapability, arm talent, and grit with a multi-drive, second-half comeback attempt. Wilson finished the game 20-37 for 258 yards and two scores. He also ran in a two-point conversion. Not bad for a rookie who was getting pulverized all game. New York Panthers: The Panthers were able to build a 16-point lead in the first half thanks in large part to their most notable ex-Jets. The first touchdown of the game was a 57-yard connection between Darnold and Robby Anderson. Carolina found paydirt again when Darnold caught the Jets defense napping and ran into the end zone for a score. Darnold was far from perfect in his first game against his old team, but the former Jet produced a sufficient passing line: 24-35, 279 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions. McCaffrey Mania: He never found the end zone, but Christia McCaffrey tormented the Jets. He rushed for 98 yards on 21 tries, and the Panthers running back added 89 yards on nine catches. Darnold never had a weapon close to that in New York's backfield, and he was happy to use McCaffrey against the Jets defense.

Standout Performers

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

K/P Matt Ammendola: Jets punter Braden Mann suffered a left knee injury early in the game when Panthers RB Chubba Hubbard ran into him. That forced New York's kicker, Matt Ammendola, to take over punting duties in his NFL debut. Ammendola did an excellent job with his expanded legwork, totaling 291 yards on six punts with an average of 48.5 yards. His longest of the game was 65 yards. WR Corey Davis: The Jets' new No. 1 receiver looked the part while the rest of the offense sputtered. Davis caught five passes for 97 yards and Wilson's first two NFL touchdown passes. DL John Franklin-Myers: Franklin-Myers followed up his impressive 2020 season with a strong 2021 debut. The defender totaled three tackles, two TFL and one sack.

What's Next?

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Another intriguing quarterback matchup is on the horizon, as Wilson will battle fellow first-round rookie Mac Jones when the Patriots visit the Jets. That contest is set for Sunday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. The rivalry game will welcome Jets fans back to MetLife Stadium for their first regular season action since 2019.

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