What does Robby Anderson see different in Sam Darnold?

What does Robby Anderson see different in quarterback Sam Darnold after the former teammates reunited on the Carolina Panthers?

One of the more welcome sites at mandatory minicamp was the presence of Robby Anderson. The wide receiver skipped the voluntary part of OTAs – which he is more than entitled to do – so it was great to see the player back among his teammates at a time where developing chemistry is key for the Carolina Panthers.

Familiarity might be a foreign concept to most of the new-look roster.

But Anderson’s previous relationship with Sam Darnold is something that can really benefit the Panthers in 2021.

The pair worked closely together during their time with the New York Jets. Anderson and Darnold were the sources of most of the memorable highlights at MetLife Stadium over a two-year period. This was before the former Temple star freed himself from the organization in free agency to link up once again with his former college coach Matt Rhule.

Darnold had to wait one more season. And leaving was not his decision.

However, it might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to the USC product when it’s all said and done.

It didn’t take long at minicamp for Darnold to rekindle his relationship with Anderson.

Robby Anderson sees a more confident Sam Darnold in Carolina.

According to multiple media sources watching practice, there was notably more confidence in the quarterback’s distribution when targeting Anderson, who is heading into the final year of his deal with plenty at stake.

Anderson himself has already seen a big change in Darnold. More importantly, it is a positive one.

"“I saw like a new energy out of him, a glowing charisma that I didn’t really see in New York. You know when a person, you can see a glow in them, their energy, an aura — I can see that when I walked into the building and just being around him.”"

These are just the initial stages of Darnold’s integration to a Panthers roster that has a sense of purpose he probably hasn’t experienced before in his pro career. Everyone is pulling in the same direction in the hope of potentially making the playoffs in 2021, although much will depend on whether the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 can turn around his fortunes quickly.

Anderson’s role in this is a critical one.

The wideout proved he can be an influential figure all over the field in his first year as a Panther, going over 1,000 yards receiving and forming a prolific tandem with D.J. Moore in the process.

Building on this next time around is vital for Anderson. If he can do this, then it might see a big-money deal come his way either in Carolina or elsewhere.

Considering the team’s need to pay Taylor Moton, Moore, and potentially Donte Jackson next year, there is a high probability it’s going to be the latter.

The Panthers should take advantage of Anderson while he’s still around. Nobody will benefit more from the player’s presence on the outside than Darnold, who already trusts him to get it done when it matters most.

That can only mean good things for Carolina next season. Both Darnold and Anderson have plenty on the line in 2021 and this partnership could be a mutually beneficial one that brings some significant rewards.