The Carolina Panthers continued their perfect start to the season with a 24-9 win against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football.

Sam Darnold impressed in the second half, taking control of an offense that was playing without the injured Christian McCaffrey. Has Darnold already proven enough that he's the right option moving forward in Carolina? Can Darnold carry the Panthers without McCaffrey?

Thursday night's win came at a cost. The Panthers not only lost McCaffrey but also rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn to a broken foot and safety Juston Burris to a groin injury. How might these injuries impact the team in the weeks to come? Can Chuba Hubbard carry the load at running back in the absence of McCaffrey?

The Panthers now face a mini-bye followed by a massive game next Sunday in Dallas. Could the secondary injuries prove to be costly against Dallas? Is Dallas the true litmus test for the first quarter of the season for the Panthers?

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