4 Carolina Panthers players who could be breakout stars in 2021
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
It might appear a little strange for someone entering their fourth year in the NFL to wind up on this list. But the fact of the matter is Sam Darnold is still awaiting his big breakout season many thought he was capable of when the New York Jets took him No. 3 overall in 2018.
To say it hasn’t gone according to plan for Darnold as yet would be something of an understatement. He wasn’t helped by a lack of talent and inadequate coaching at MetLife Stadium, but his decision-making from a clean pocket needs some considerable work and it’s a massive gamble for the Carolina Panthers to go with him as their starter next season.
Simply put, if Darnold can’t make it work in Carolina, he can kiss his chances of a successful starting career goodbye.
He is still young enough to turn things around and the USC product made a good first impression at OTAs. But how the signal-caller performs in a competitive setting will make the pendulum swing one way or another.
The jury is still out as to whether Darnold is capable of such a feat.
The mechanics, footwork, and arm strength are there for all to see. But some bad habits need eradicating from his game between now and when he steps onto the field against his former team in Week 1.
If everything slots into place for Darnold, then he could be one of the league’s breakout stars in 2021.