Panini Instant NFL Recap: Quarterbacks Lead the Way in Week 5

Written by: Connor Zimmerlee

The latest slate of NFL action delivered another round of brilliant performances from phenoms around the league. The stars of the show this weekend were, as they often are, quarterbacks. From breakout debuts to high-scoring duels, you can add their outstanding outings to your collection through the newest round of Panini Instant NFL cards.

Setting the table for Sunday’s fireworks, Mac Jones balled out during a Thursday Night Football thriller against the Rams. Both squads entered the pivotal NFC West showdown sporting 3–1 records, with the winner set to leave with a firm command of the division. Under Jones’ watch, that honor went to the 49ers.

One of the league’s top defenses was no issue for the savvy signal-caller, who dealt dimes all over the gridiron with ease. He put up video-game stats to the tune of 342 yards and a pair of touchdowns en route to a thrilling 26-23 win in overtime.

Early Sunday morning saw the first NFL start for Dillon Gabriel. Traveling to London didn’t prevent the rookie from showing out and making his case to maintain the starter job for years to come. Neither did facing a Minnesota unit that had held teams to fewer than 20.0 points per game through Week 4.

Holding his own and navigating the stout coverage, Gabriel flashed the tools that prompted Cleveland to draft him in the first place. He threw for 190 yards and two touchdown passes.

Back stateside, the Jets played host to the Cowboys in an NFC East-AFC East clash. Unfortunately for them, Dak Prescott effortlessly gashed their secondary with a bevy of pinpoint strikes. The Lone Star quarterback guided Dallas to a 37-22 win with a quartet of touchdown tosses.

That leaves us with arguably the game of the week: Bucs vs. Seahawks. Both squads were led by first-round picks from the 2018 draft, with Baker Mayfield sporting Tampa’s old-school orange and Sam Darnold in Seattle’s timeless blue-and-silver look.

In what was a back-and-forth offensive outburst, Mayfield ultimately reigned supreme in a 38-35 instant classic. He threw for 379 yards and set up the game-winning field goal with an excellent drive. Darnold dazzled, too, compiling 341 yards and four touchdowns. Collectors who want a piece of both are in luck and can look for the Mayfield/Darnold dual card when it releases later this week.

These signal-callers, as well as non-passing stars like Travis Hunter, Tyler Warren and Jacory Croskey-Merritt all earned Instant cards for their Week 5 performances that fans and collectors can scoop up on Panini’s webstore.