How much pressure is on Panthers QB Sam Darnold in 2021?
By Dean Jones
How much pressure is on the shoulders of new Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold following his trade from the New York Jets?
The Carolina Panthers have placed a significant amount of faith in quarterback Sam Darnold. After making their intentions clear about finding an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater this offseason, the organization finally found their man when they gave up three draft picks to land the former USC star from the New York Jets just a few short weeks before the 2021 NFL Draft.
This not only allowed the Panthers to focus on other key areas during an eventful three days, but it gives them a signal-caller with more upside than Bridgewater heading into a crucial 2021 season.
Darnold hasn’t shown enough to suggest he can turn things around, so Carolina is ultimately banking on his potential for growth with more in the way of weapons at his disposal.
Talent and quality coaching are two things the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 was not afforded at MetLife Stadium and as far as good fits go for the player, he’s pretty much landed on his feet.
Matt Rhule bet big on Darnold and if things don’t work out, he’ll most likely be on the hunt for a third starting quarterback in as many seasons since taking over from Ron Rivera as head coach.
Not exactly a good look, it has to be said.
It’s a career-defining season for Darnold. Nobody will know that more than the player himself and hopefully, he’ll take on this big challenge with determination and start proving his doubters wrong.