3 initial observations from Sam Darnold’s preseason debut
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold made the right decisions
Again, this was the smallest sample size to go off. But Sam Darnold didn’t put a foot wrong for the Carolina Panthers on his preseason debut.
As stated previously, the quarterback completed his first pass, keeping his eyes downfield and making the right read to Robby Anderson. A connection that will hopefully bring around some big-time rewards for the Panthers throughout the 2021 season.
Not only this, but he also had the nous to throw the football away in the red zone rather than take a sack when things weren’t developing as expected. A far cry from what Darnold demonstrated at any stage with the New York Jets.
Carolina ran the ball plenty with Chuba Hubbard during the one series Darnold was in. However, the signal-caller seemed to command the huddle well and the timing with his offensive lineman saw no flags thrown over a short period.
It’s really hard to gauge too much from Darnold’s contribution against the Baltimore Ravens. It was more important not to make any costly errors with decision-making, which he managed to accomplish.
light. Related Story. 5 major Sam Darnold observations from Week 2 of Panthers training camp
Another big milestone in the books for Darnold. What comes next in preseason Week 3 and beyond is even more critical.