4 early Sam Darnold observations from Panthers training camp

Sam Darnold has the work ethic

The only way Sam Darnold is going to progress is by putting in the work. Nothing worth having ever comes easy, so sacrificing himself now could reap some long-term benefits both for the player and the Carolina Panthers.

Head coach Matt Rhule has laid the gauntlet down to Darnold in this regard. He placed a significant amount of faith in the player this offseason and wants that repaid with a strong work ethic to give himself every chance of reigniting his career in Carolina.

"“What I’m really looking for from Sam right now is to be the first guy in the building and the last to leave. I want him to just absolutely grind and outwork the competition.”"

These comments are ones that haven’t gone unnoticed by Darnold. The signal-caller has been first on the field for Days 2 and 3, staying behind after practice comes to a conclusion to get some extra throws in and improve timing.

This isn’t going to guarantee success, obviously.

But it sure does help.

Darnold clearly wants to prove his doubters wrong. He’s getting the benefit of the doubt for his time on the Jets thanks to poor players around him and a head coach in Adam Gase who was scarily out of his depth.

That won’t be the case in Carolina. So working hard to make the most out of a brilliant opportunity is the minimum requirement where Darnold is concerned.