4 problems Panthers QB Sam Darnold must overcome in 2021

A restless fanbase

It’s been a long time since fans of the Carolina Panthers had anything to shout about on the field.

Their memorable seasons in the mid-2010s are now a distant memory in the what have you done for me lately world of the NFL. Not having a winning campaign since 2017 is something else that piles even more pressure on this current team to turn things around at the earliest possible opportunity.

Sam Darnold has an enormous task in 2021. More than a few supporters were skeptical about the player’s arrival – which is justified judging by his first three years in the league – but they are at least going to give the quarterback an opportunity before coming to a formal conclusion.

Make no mistake, it won’t take long for the natives to get restless if things start slowly for Darnold in Carolina.

At least on the outside looking in, there are some very favorable early games on the 2021 schedule. If Darnold cannot generate initial momentum and pick up some crucial victories along the way, things might get a little ugly with fans now permitted back in the stands at Bank of America Stadium.

The bar isn’t exactly high for Darnold where Carolina’s recent signal-callers are concerned.

Cam Newton’s injury problems blighted his final two years with the franchise before his controversial release. He was followed by the likes of Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Will Grier, Teddy Bridgewater, and P.J. Walker, who weren’t exactly up to the required standard.

What comes next will be ultimately down to Darnold. Everything is in place for him to thrive, but a strong start is absolutely critical.