SUNDAY NIGHT PRESEASON NFL: CAROLINA PANTHERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

BY ADAM GREENE

Our first official week of preseason NFL football officially comes to an end as the Sam Darnold era (or season, possibly) begins when the Carolina Panthers travel to Indiana to face off against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

This could have been the start of the Carson Wentz era at Indy, but a foot injury will sideline him for the full preseason. The Colts appear to have gotten lucky and Wentz along with Quenton Nelson could possibly be ready for the start of the real ganes. But neither guy is playing Sunday or in the entire month of August.

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (-1.5, O/U 39.5)

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.

Broadcast: NFL Network

Kickoff: Aug. 15, 1 p.m. EST

CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0)

It’s another offseason of self inflicted change for the Panthers as they shipped former starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who they signed to replace Cam Newton, who they cut, to the Denver Broncos. They added, via an earlier trade, former New York Jets quarterback and first round pick Sam Darnold. Bridgewater, of course, was also a former first rounder as was Newton, who went No. 1 overall in 2011. Ironically, of the three, Bridgewater had the best season in 2020 and was the only one of this group to throw more touchdowns than interceptions. He also had the highest completion percentage (69.1), TD total (15) and yardage total (3,733). You can see why the Panthers had to send him packing.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-0)

I can’t imagine even in a perfect scenario where Carson Wentz would have played in this game with his injury history. Now, there’s no choice as the team turns to former University of Washington (and Georgia) quarterback Jacob Eason. Indianapolis was a playoff team last year with Philip Rivers under center. They have a chance to be with Wentz, but there’s nothing wrong with rolling with Eason here in the exhibition games. He’s a guy that has all the tools and could surprise everyone before it’s over. The rest of their QB depth chart isn’t bad either, with Brett Hundley battling it out with former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

THE PICK

While Sam Darnold is probably entrenched as the starter in Carolina for at least a while, it’d be smart to let him play a little bit here. Maybe a half. It’s not like he’s put down a lot of great pro film for you to feel good about. The Colts have to just be trying to not lose anyone else before the season begins, but even their back ups are probably better than the Panthers for the most part. I will say that if Christian McCaffrey plays a snap, I’d fire Matt Rhule the second the ref blows the play dead. Colts 16, Panthers 10

Last week

Straight up: 1-0

Against the spread: 1-0

Preseason

Straight up: 1-0

Against the spread: 1-0

The NFL season begins on Thursday, Sep. 9 and the Week 1 Schedule is already up and taking bets at BetOnline.AG.

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