What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at QB in 2021?
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
All eyes will be on Sam Darnold as he looks to reignite his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The quarterback was acquired via trade from the New York Jets and although he gets a pass for his production at MetLife Stadium to a certain extent, that will not be the case this time around.
The Panthers appear confident Darnold can thrive in offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s scheme and with an embarrassment of riches in the passing game. His previous relationship with wide receiver Robby Anderson should serve him well and the USC product also has the NFL’s best dual-threat running back in Christian McCaffrey taking the majority of the responsibility off his shoulders.
Everything is in place for Darnold to succeed.
But whether he has enough talent is another matter entirely.
His decision-making needs to improve – and quickly – to avoid the sort of start that might cause some significant complications as the season progresses. This is a fanbase that hasn’t had consistent play from their signal-caller over the last two years and it won’t take long for the natives to get restless if things don’t begin in a positive manner.
That being said, Darnold is mobile, has a rocket for an arm, and is clearly relishing the prospect of working with a competent coaching staff that he simply never had in New York.
It won’t take long to find out whether Darnold was the right choice. But the Panthers’ fortunes this season depend on him rising to the occasion.