5 ways Panthers QB Sam Darnold can make his former team pay in Week 1

How can Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold make his former team pay during their Week 1 clash against the New York Jets?

This is the moment Sam Darnold has been waiting for. The Carolina Panthers quarterback gets an immediate chance to put one over on his former employer in Week 1, which could set the tone for the entire campaign following his trade from the New York Jets.

There was a sense of inevitability surrounding Darnold‘s move away from MetLife Stadium this offseason. A new regime came in with a fresh set of ideas and considering they were picking at No. 2 overall, the chances of them taking a potential franchise signal-caller were high long before the former USC star arrived in Carolina.

All hope is not lost with Darnold. Although that will change if the player cannot make the most out of the significant opportunity awaiting him.

Going up against the team that gave up on him is the best place to start. Here are five ways that Darnold can make the Jets pay this Sunday.

Way No. 1

Sam Darnold must remain composed

This is going to be a big occasion for Sam Darnold. He’ll be under the spotlight more than most, so remaining composed is absolutely key in the pursuit of getting his season off on the right foot.

Darnold needs to take everything in his stride and focus on his own game. Not what’s going on around him within what’s sure to be a pressure cooker atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium.

If he can do this, then the Panthers have the better talent to achieve success. But failure to do so will cause some real complications against a team that will know exactly how to get under Darnold’s skin.