5 ways Panthers QB Sam Darnold can thrive vs. the Saints in Week 2
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold needs his TEs to get more involved
The Carolina Panthers didn’t do enough to protect Sam Darnold on Sunday according to head coach Matt Rhule. Something that eventually resulted in just a 20 percent pass-blocking success rate to further highlight his claim.
Darnold deserves a tremendous amount of credit for producing the goods in the first half more often than not, keeping his eyes downfield, and hitting open targets just in the nick of time.
There could be even more pressure coming his way in Week 2 at Bank of America Stadium. Although the New Orleans Saints will be without Marcus Davenport for the contest, the likes of Cameron Jordan have the reputation and talent to cause some significant disruption.
Getting the tight ends more involved is something that could make a huge difference. Dan Arnold and Ian Thomas caught three passes between them in Week 1, which Joe Brady needs to resolve quickly as part of his upcoming game plan.
Nothing much will be a secret considering Brady’s scheme is similar to Sean Payton’s. He learned the tricks of the trade as an offensive assistant in New Orleans, after all.
Getting a little more creative with his pass-catchers across the middle will benefit Darnold an untold amount. But they’ll have to get open quickly if the offensive line cannot provide improved stability.