SAM DARNOLD

Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass during the Carolina Panthers' 23-21 preseason-opening victory at the Washington Commanders to give him a highlight in the quarterback competition against Baker Mayfield.

Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield are battling for the starting quarterback job at Carolina Panthers training camp, but one of them has clearly taken the lead as preseason games loom.

Training camps opened across the NFL and the biggest offseason question remains unanswered.

Baker Mayfield said he was “shocked” to learn that he was not in the Cleveland Browns’ future plans earlier this offseason.

The Carolina Panthers now have two of the top three overall picks from the 2018 draft class on their roster, and both happen to be quarterbacks.

This year's quarterback class isn't as heralded as last year's or even next year's.

An underwhelming free agent class for quarterbacks is overshadowed by the possibility of multiple big names changing teams.

Tom Brady topped 5,000 yards passing for the second time in his career and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set a franchise record for regular-season victories with a 41-17 win over the Carolina Panthers.

The Indianapolis Cots have placed five players on the COVID-19 list as the virus continues to work its way through NFL locker rooms, even with the vast majority of players in the league vaccinated.

Tom Brady threw for 232 yards and a touchdown, Antonio Brown made a grand return to the lineup after missing the last eight games and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-6 on Sunday to clinch their first NFC South title since 2007.

In final 3 games, the Panthers need to let QB Sam Darnold try to regain some confidence.

Dak Prescott and Joe Burrow are the top contenders for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year honors after bouncing back from injuries that ended their 2020 seasons early.

The Carolina Panthers agreed to a one-year contract to bring quarterback Cam Newton back to the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2011.

Jameis Winston and Sam Darnold got hurt running the ball and kicker Chris Boswell was injured throwing it.

The Seattle Seahawks made their victory look easy.

Joe Flacco is back with the New York Jets and he envisions himself back under center as their starting quarterback soon even if just for a few games.

Kirk Cousins completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to K.

Cameras caught Robby Anderson yelling at someone after Sam Darnold’s third interception of the day.

Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes, Ezekiel Elliott had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season against the NFL’s No. 1 defense and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Carolina Panthers 36-28.

The Carolina Panthers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey when they visit the Dallas Cowboys in a second consecutive game in Texas.

The Los Angeles Rams are the unanimous top team in the latest AP Pro32 poll.

The injury bug has bitten running back Christian McCaffrey again.

The Carolina Panthers held off the Houston Texans in Houston as the Texans fell to 1-2 on the 2021 season.

Sam Darnold threw for 304 yards and ran for two touchdowns, and the Carolina Panthers eased past the Houston Texans 24-9 despite losing Christian McCaffrey to a hamstring injury early in the second quarter.

Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns, and the Carolina defense turned in another strong performance in a 26-7 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Mac Jones was smart and efficient, Damien Harris and James White had touchdown runs and the New England Patriots took advantage of a nightmarish outing by Zach Wilson in a 25-6 victory over the New York Jets.

Tailgating, face-painted fans returned in full force at stadiums around the country as the NFL opened its doors to capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

Cam Newton followed Mac Jones along the sideline, holding his right hand up, waiting for the rookie quarterback to slap it after the No. 15 overall pick threw a touchdown in a preseason game Sunday night.

For the 2021 season, these are the starting quarterbacks, listed from worst to best. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)The Eagles have made it clear that they want Jalen Hurts as their starting quarterback. A duel threat, it’s still unknown if he’ll be the starting quarterback for the Eagles in the long term. Teddy Bridgewater (Broncos)Bridgewater is playing as the team’s starting quarterback this season, replacing former rookie Drew Lock after a lackluster season. His strong arm and analytical mind allowed him to stand up to some of the truly great quarterbacks, such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees.

The Denver Broncos are going with Teddy Bridgewater over Drew Lock as their starting quarterback.

Jacob Eason was efficient in place of the injured Carson Wentz, and rookie Sam Ehlinger delivered in the final quarter for the Indianapolis Colts.

Robert Saleh and the New York Jets were focused on football again after spending the last several days mourning the loss of their friend, colleague and mentor.

From players getting COVID-19 vaccinations to relaxed coronavirus protocols to lineup issues, particularly at quarterback, the NFL faces a multitude of questions as training camps open.

The New York Jets have been on a mostly fruitless search for the next Joe Namath since he last played for the team in 1976.

How long can pro sports keep treating vaccination as a personal decision?

Woody Johnson is happy to be back.

Jamison Crowder was a bit surprised when the New York Jets approached him during the offseason about taking a pay cut.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson couldn’t help but notice a difference in Sam Darnold’s persona when he walked into Bank of America Stadium for the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp.

The 2021 NFL schedule is out, and some teams might be more thankful than others for how their regular-season slate was sequenced.

With the 2021 NFL draft complete, each of the league's 32 teams looks a bit different ... though the Packers will be in for vast changes if their league MVP remains unhappy.

History dictates that it’s likely at least a couple of the five first-round quarterbacks won’t fulfill the hopes of the teams that drafted them.

The New York Jets’ offense was downright offensive on most Sundays the past few seasons.

Our forecast for the second round of the NFL draft includes some intriguing names at running back and wide receiver, along with one QB to watch.

Our forecast for the second round of the NFL draft includes some intriguing names at running back and wide receiver, along with one QB to watch.

The New York Jets entered a new era Thursday night after drafting BYU’s Zach Wilson with the No. 2  pick and according to the rookie, his reign as quarterback will include a Super Bowl appearance.

Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and Zac Wilson of BYU were the first two players off the board, as expected, in the NFL Draft.

The New York Jets have traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers.

(AP Photo/Brett Carlsen, File)NEW YORK – Intrigue and uncertainty have surrounded the New York Jets' quarterback situation all offseason. “I’m coming in with my understanding that Sam is the guy,” Davis said during a video conference call. 3 overall pick in 2018, has struggled with inconsistency and injuries during his three seasons with the Jets. “He's the right guy to come in here and turn things around,” Davis said. ... New York signed LB Del'Shawn Phillips, who played in two games last season for Buffalo.

(AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)For people wondering where is all the free-agent quarterback movement as the NFL's “legal tampering” period enters its second day, well, calm down. He started seven and played in nine games last season for Miami, throwing for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He will be replaced as Tua Tagovailoa's backup by Brissett, who will get a one-year, $5 million deal in Miami. The Bengals also reached agreement with Pittsburgh safety Mike Hilton on a four-year, $24 million contract, also according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Kelly signed a three-year, $21 million deal exactly a year ago and started all 16 games at right tackle.

Regardless, on Monday, two days before the NFL's 2021 business year begins, the 32 teams and agents for the players will be making deals. “Legal tampering, and tampering is illegal? AdOf course, free agency always is a buyer-beware situation. AdVoila: Lavonte David, a key linebacker, was re-signed, and several other key guys in the title run could be back. “We do have some money from a cap standpoint that we can spend; but again, it’s an interesting year.

FILE - New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold rolls out to pass against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)NEW YORK – Sam Darnold's time as the face of the New York Jets franchise might be nearing a disappointing end. General manager Joe Douglas has backed off that stance, though, and it could signal a major change at the position as free agency and the NFL draft approach. “I will answer the call if it's made,” Douglas said Wednesday when asked if he'd listen to offers for Darnold. AdThe Jets could also opt to stick with Darnold, for at least this year, and trade down from No.

New York Jets head coach Adam Gase watches from the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. The Jets fired Gase on Sunday night, ending a disappointing tenure after just two loss-filled seasons. Douglas, hired six months after Gase in June 2019, will now have the chance to help hire the next coach. If they keep Darnold, will the new coach be able to tap into his potential in a way Gase simply could not? Gase wasn’t a popular pick among fans after the Jets fired Todd Bowles following the 2018 season.

The 37-year-old New York Jets running back has a bruised lung that coach Adam Gase said Monday will keep Gore out of the season finale at New England on Sunday. It was originally called a chest injury by the team after Gore left, but tests revealed the lung contusion. Gore has played in 240 games, a record for NFL running backs, over 16 seasons. Gore signed a one-year deal worth $1.05 million with the Jets last May and will be a free agent in the offseason. With Gore sidelined for the finale, the Jets will use La'Mical Perine, Ty Johnson and Josh Adams against the Patriots.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Baker Mayfield coughed up the ball — and the Cleveland Browns' chances to wrap up a playoff spot. After a 23-16 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, the Browns will need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday if they're going to end the NFL's longest playoff drought. The call was upheld by video review, and the Jets (2-13) sealed their second straight victory after an 0-13 start. Mayfield then marched the Browns downfield, and Nick Chubb's 1-yard run made it 20-10 with 2:56 left in the third quarter.

After 51 weeks and 13 games without a win, the Jets finally earned the chance to celebrate with pride. The Jets (1-13) knew their 23-20 victory over the embarrassed Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was never pretty. Moments later, Darnold hit Gore with the short pass over the middle that allowed the Jets to run out the clock. It was an amazing feeling.”With two games left, New York might have ruined its chances at the No. Of the nine teams in NFL history to start 0-13, the Jets were the fourth to win in Week 15.

Midway through the 2020 season, performance has altered perception all around the NFL. Here’s a look at who’s up and who’s down:UPDALVIN COOK: While running backs have generally been devalued during this pass-happy era, Cook is showing the impact a big-play back can make. He leads the NFL with 858 yards and 12 touchdowns despite missing one game with an injury. He’s the first NFL player with at least 50 catches, 600 yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions over his first six games of a season. Evans has been a productive threat near the end zone with seven TD catches, but six of those have come on passes from inside the 10.

From the season-altering (Dak Prescott, Barkley) to the bizarre (Tyrod Taylor, Trent Brown), injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)ARLINGTON, Texas – From the season-altering to the bizarre, injuries are playing their traditionally significant role in the NFL. Brown also recently went back on the COVID-19 list, a newcomer among potential ailments with the NFL playing during a pandemic. Few teams have had the volume of injuries that have hit defending NFC champion San Francisco. New Orleans' star receiver, Michael Thomas, has had a tumultuous season in part because of ankle and hamstring injuries.

– Patrick Mahomes did just about everything for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. On the second, Mahomes claimed to see Hill “a little banged up” and decided to carry him — horse-and-jockey style — back to the Kansas City sideline. While the Jets answered with the first of three first-half field goals, the Chiefs kept scoring touchdowns. Mahomes hit Robinson from 26 yards out for his fourth TD pass, giving Kansas City a 28-9 lead late in the third quarter. Mahomes capped his big day with his second touchdown throw to Hill early in the fourth.

___10:09 p.mArizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Irving has been carted off the field after a collision on a kickoff just before halftime against the Seattle Seahawks. Jacksonville rallied from a 16-0 deficit and took the lead, but the Jaguars have been blanked in the fourth quarter. ___7:10 p.m.Tom Brady moved one touchdown pass ahead of Drew Brees for the career lead. Mayfield threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Harrison Bryant to even the score in the second quarter. New York leads 3-0.

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Las Vegas starting offensive linemen Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson are active for the Raiders against Tampa Bay after spending time on the COVID-19 list this week. Safety Johnathan Abram remains on the COVID-19 list for at least one more day and is missing the game. ___TAMPA BAY AT LAS VEGASBuccaneers: QB Ryan Griffin, OL Aaron Stinnie, LB Quinton Bell, DL Khalil Davis, WR Cyril Grayson. Raiders: WR Bryan Edwards, CB Keisean Nixon, QB Marcus Mariota, G Patrick Omameh, DE David Irving. ___CAROLINA AT NEW ORLEANSPanthers: QB Will Grier, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver, G John Miller, OL Mike Horton, WR Marken Michel.

The Jets (0-6) became the NFL's only winless team and continued their worst start since 1996, increasing the heat on embattled second-year coach Adam Gase. The Dolphins blanked the Jets for the first time since the January 1983 AFC championship game, which they won 14-0. The Dolphins' only third-down conversion came on a completion by Tagovailoa, who went 2 for 2 for 9 yards. After the game, Tagovailoa spent about several minutes sitting alone on the field and on his phone with his parents. ANTHEMRunning back Ty Jackson was the only player kneeling for the Jets during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”The Dolphins stayed in the locker room.

After injuries shortened his last two seasons, Flacco is now in New York with a new role: as a backup to Sam Darnold. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)NEW YORK Joe Flacco has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and been the Super Bowl MVP. Now with the New York Jets, Flacco is merely a 35-year-old backup coming off an injury and tasked with helping Sam Darnold achieve the kind of success he has enjoyed in his pro career. I think in the role Im in now, you can definitely have a good, positive effect on the team." Listen, I dont think there are any backups in this league that dont have aspirations to be a starting quarterback," Flacco said.

Cooper left late in the first quarter and was on the sideline without his helmet early in the second quarter. Brett Maher booted a 50-yard field goal to open the second quarter and cut Dallas' deficit to 7-3. Maher tied his franchise record by kicking a 62-yard field goal as the first half ended, making it 21-6. It was also the longest field goal ever made against the Jets. Denver's Matt Prater holds the NFL record for longest field goal, kicking a 64-yarder in 2013.