5 bold predictions for the Panthers in Week 2 preseason game vs. Ravens
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold will open his Carolina Panthers career with a TD
All eyes will be on Sam Darnold on Sunday. Head coach Matt Rhule stated following the team’s second joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens that the plan is to put the quarterback in for limited reps in the first quarter, which is something that comes with a great sense of anticipation.
Darnold is entering the last chance saloon in his bid to become a productive starter. The Carolina Panthers gave up three draft selections to acquire the player from the New York Jets, passing up the opportunity to take Ohio State prospect Justin Fields in the process.
It’s been a pleasing training camp overall for Darnold.
He’s developing chemistry with an abundance of weapons in the passing attack and demonstrated notable footwork improvements. If the USC product takes this into a game-day environment, then it will alleviate some concerns within the team’s fanbase that Darnold is the man to lead them moving forward.
Even though Darnold is set to go up against Baltimore’s first-team defense, there is still a chance he can get off on the right foot. Leading the Panthers on a scoring drive to open his account would be highly beneficial and the tools are definitely there to achieve this objective.
Easier said than done, obviously. However, Darnold has the intangibles and the arm strength to make things happen in a more structured offensive scheme.