4 key results needed for a successful Sam Darnold season in 2021
By Brian Lane
What are some key results Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold needs to achieve in order to have a successful season in 2021?
The Carolina Panthers enter the new season with some of the same questions needing to be answered as they saw in 2020. One of those big questions this year – once again – surrounds the most important position on the field.
After a failed one-and-done year with Teddy Bridgewater, enter Sam Darnold.
The former No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft was acquired in the offseason with the hope the Panthers had just acquired their franchise quarterback. Darnold comes in this year with arguably the best set of offensive weapons he has had in his short three-year career, something he has to make the most out of.
There is a lot riding on the upcoming campaign for Darnold. Here are four results he needs to achieve in 2021 to look back at and consider it a successful season.
Result No. 1
Sam Darnold gains a QBR over 80.0
In the small sample size of statistics for Darnold, his best year statistically came in 2019. He posted 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, but his quarterback rating (QBR) was 84.3.
Darnold posted a 77.6 QBR in 2018 and 72.7 QBR in 2020.
If the signal-caller can keep that above 80.0, you should see success in other areas of his play as well given the improved standard of weapons for the player to call upon.