4 reasons the Carolina Panthers should be on Hard Knocks in 2021
By Dean Jones
The Sam Darnold factor
Another thing well worth documenting this offseason on the Carolina Panthers is the situation involving Sam Darnold. The quarterback was acquired via trade from the New York Jets just a few short weeks before the NFL Draft and how he performs in 2021 is going to be absolutely critical if the team wants to progress as expected.
Darnold is a real enigma that has opinions divided across the league.
Some think he was a victim of poor coaching and a lack of talent at MetLife Stadium.
Others have already come to the conclusion Darnold simply isn’t good enough to be considered as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback.
What comes next for Darnold will dictate which one of these notions proves to be true.
The signal-caller has all the intangibles needed to make the most out of some eye-catching weapons in Carolina. But the former USC signal-caller needs to improve his decision-making to truly become the team’s long-term option.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Panthers, who got two of the three draft picks back they gave up to the Jets during this year’s selection process. It’s costing them a second-rounder in the grand scheme of things, which could be a masterstroke from the front office if Darnold can turn things around.
One thing is for sure, it would be fun to keep tabs on during the offseason on Hard Knocks.