4 problems Panthers QB Sam Darnold must overcome in 2021
By Dean Jones
The Sam Darnold confidence factor
This is arguably the biggest factor nobody is really talking about.
Is Sam Darnold’s confidence past the point of no return?
That is a legitimate question considering everything that transpired with Darnold on the New York Jets. The player admitted he was stung by the team’s decision to trade him after taking BYU prospect Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall, which officially made him surplus to requirements and with his long-term aspirations hanging in the balance.
In truth, this could go either way for Darnold.
Either he uses his predicament as a source of motivation and starts realizing his potential.
Or he continues to regress and leaves the Carolina Panthers with no alternative other than to go in a different direction once again in 2022.
It’s a fine line. And nobody knows for sure just what the last three years have done to Darnold from a confidence standpoint.
He is certainly making the right sort of impression during his initial time on the field at OTAs. Both Matt Rhule and Christian McCaffrey gave Darnold praise for his application and command of the huddle, which is a solid foundation from which to build.
This obviously needs to continue when the signal-caller takes the field in a competitive setting. One thing is for sure, it won’t take long to find out just how confident Darnold remains in his own ability.