Did Matt Rhule just bet his job on Panthers QB Sam Darnold?
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers laid their marker down with Sam Darnold, but did head coach Matt Rhule just bet his job on the quarterback?
Matt Rhule has bet big that the Carolina Panthers can get back to prominence with Sam Darnold under center. The quarterback was acquired from the New York Jets this offseason for three draft picks over the next two years, which represents a significant gamble for an organization that is finding it difficult to replace Cam Newton’s production during the mid-2010s.
They might not get a better opportunity to take a talented young prospect after Justin Fields fell into their laps at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Panthers were reportedly considering the possibility of bringing the former Ohio State signal-caller on board before eventually opting to go with talented cornerback Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina.
This came with mixed reviews from Carolina’s fanbase on social media, who aren’t entirely convinced Darnold will lead the Panthers where they want to go. That is a valid argument considering what the USC product has shown during his time with the Jets, although the lack of weapons, sufficient protection, or a competent head coach played a big role in his eventual demise.
Nevertheless, this is a big call to make.
Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer appear highly confident that Darnold can make a better go of things in a different environment. This further reflected in their decision to exercise his fifth-year option on Friday once the smoke and mirrors subsided.
Whether this comes off or not is up for debate. But if things don’t work out, then Rhule might just pay with his job somewhere down the line.