5 key observations from third Carolina Panthers practice back in Charlotte

Joe Brady’s confidence in Sam Darnold

Shortly before practice, offensive coordinator Joe Brady spoke with reporters and left no doubt as to his confidence surrounding quarterback Sam Darnold.

This is a hugely important season for the quarterback as he looks to turn his career around. Having this seal of approval from one of the league’s brightest young coaches is another confidence boost as Darnold embarks on a full half of football for the first time since his trade from the New York Jets.

The stakes are also high for Brady in 2021. If he can put together a plan that turns Darnold into a productive signal-caller and the Carolina Panthers improve as a result, then it’s going to give his chances of being a head coach next year a significant shot in the arm.

Brady stated what he wants to see from his signal-caller on Friday. Making the right decisions and not getting too carried away with the occasion were at the top of his list.

"“I think right now he (Sam Darnold) is making great decisions. He’s comfortable in the system and taking what the defense is giving him, so that’s what excites me. Right now we are still in the evaluation process, it’s not the stats that matter in a preseason game, there’s a rhyme and reason for what you’re doing so for him it’s about playing in the system and making the routing plays routinely.”"

This is the time for Darnold to keep the positive vibes moving in the right direction. There’s been encouraging progress made by the USC product throughout camp, so Brady and the player won’t want things to end on a sour note ahead of Week 1 and a clash against his former team.