6 Panthers players who need to impress when the pads go on at camp
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
All eyes are on Sam Darnold. Make no mistake about that.
The quarterback arrived via trade from the New York Jets and is entering the last chance saloon when it comes to salvaging his NFL starting career. Whether he is capable of this or not remains to be seen, but putting the right platform down during training camp is the best place to start.
Darnold has all the arm strength needed to make the Carolina Panthers better. If his offensive line holds out and the player’s decision-making takes a step forward, he’s not going to fall flat on his face.
The former first-round pick has made a pleasing start to training camp. There is plenty of velocity on his throws and seems to be developing chemistry with Carolina’s exceptional group of wide receivers in the process.
It’s important this continues when the pads go on next week. Darnold has to be composed and accomplished in equal measure in the face of what is potentially a promising defense in 2021, so it’s a good yardstick from which to build a complete turnaround in fortunes.
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The stakes could not be much higher for Darnold. And the time for delivering is almost upon him.