What were some key observations to emerge from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2?
If last weekend’s game against the New York Jets was a bedding-in period for Sam Darnold, then what lay ahead for the Carolina Panthers quarterback in Week 2 was a much sterner test. Sunday’s game versus the New Orleans Saints was set to be the first real challenge of the campaign for Matt Rhule’s men in a key NFC South divisional matchup.
Darnold made an encouraging start to life with the Panthers and continued this in Week 2. He got out on the front foot and never looked back as the home side came away with their second-straight triumph to start the campaign and leave many wondering just what they can accomplish in 2021.
There is a long way to go. But the positive signs are there for all to see and Darnold’s played a significant role so far.
With this in mind, here are five key observations from Darnold’s performance in Carolina’s deserved victory over the Saints.
Key Observation No. 1
An unbelievable first drive for Sam Darnold
If the Panthers wanted Sam Darnold to set the tone early, they got their wish. Carolina made their intentions clear from the first snap, going 75 yards in just five yards during an opening drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Brandon Zylstra.
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Darnold was nothing short of sensational right out of the gate, which coincided with the protection giving him plenty of time to go through his progressions.
This got the Bank of America Stadium crowd right into it early, too. Another big factor that was of critical importance.
Sam Darnold was sensational in the first half
Not only did Sam Darnold catch the eye over his opening drive. But he was absolutely sensational throughout the first half as the Carolina Panthers went into the break with a commanding 17-0 advantage.
Darnold made some incredible throws to keep the chains moving and get his primary playmakers involved. D.J. Moore went into the end-zone last in the second quarter, Robby Anderson came up with a big catch, and it was nice to see the quarterback displaying the chemistry we saw with tight end Dan Arnold during the offseason period.
This was as good as it gets.
Darnold was flawless and demonstrated a velocity to his throws that was a primary reason behind the Panthers bringing him on board in the first place.
The former first-round selection’s stats in the first half were exemplary.
- 18/20 passing (80%)
- 216 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 145.0 passer rating
Now, there is a long way to go for Darnold and the Panthers. But this did nothing to dispel the notion that he could be the long-term successor to Cam Newton if he continues in this manner.
Keeping this up in the second half was equally as important, obviously. Especially considering it almost led to their demise in Week 1.
Sam Darnold growing in confidence
There seems to be a swagger about Sam Darnold that’s been missing over his first three years in the NFL. The quarterback might not have the flamboyant demeanor of a Cam Newton or Patrick Mahomes, but his confidence is clearly heading in the right direction after a torrid spell on the New York Jets with little to no help around him.
We’ve stated many times that this trade was the best thing that could have happened to Darnold.
The Carolina Panthers are loaded with playmakers and have the progressive young coaches he needs to flourish providing the offensive line held up in key situations. They also have full belief in his abilities.
It was always going to be a work in progress for Darnold. He wasn’t going to turn into a Pro Bowler overnight and his interception in the third quarter on a reckless decision straight into the hands of defensive tackle Malcolm Roach is testament to this.
However, aside from that error which ended in a New Orleans Saints touchdown, the decision-making was good and there is a conviction to his throws that was perhaps missing at times during Teddy Bridgewater’s stint under center in 2020.
Darnold’s opening two games have been promising, for the most part. But there is a long way to go just yet.
Sam Darnold’s connection with Brandon Zylstra
All the talk’s been of the dynamic offensive weapons on the Carolina Panthers. Something that made it difficult to envisage a situation where Sam Darnold would fail in a different environment.
However, it was another lesser-known figure that took center stage in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
After being virtually anonymous last season outside of a standout special teams contribution, Brandon Zylstra proved he too can be a force to be reckoned with in the passing game if given the opportunity.
The former CFL star who also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings had something of a coming-out party in Week 2, catching his first-ever NFL touchdown in the first quarter and becoming a reliable presence across the middle for Darnold to utilize.
This was a surprise New Orleans didn’t see coming that’s for sure.
Many questioned whether Zylstra would make the team following a couple of preseason drops, but those in power made the right call taking him through based on this performance.
Zylstra eventually finished the game with three receptions from as many targets for 44 receiving yards and one score. This won’t have done his chances of more usage moving forward any harm at all.
Sam Darnold’s game-winning 4th quarter drive
Just when it seemed like things might be heading for a nervy finish, Sam Darnold pulled a game-winning drive out of the bag just when the Carolina Panthers needed it most. The quarterback led his team on a fantastic fourth-quarter move upfield that concluded with running back Christian McCaffrey powering his way into the end-zone to take Matt Rhule’s men to 2-0.
Darnold was patient in the pocket and came up with an exceptional throw to Terrace Marshall Jr. on third down that set Carolina up perfectly. The signal-caller also found Robby Anderson for a nice gain to get them within touching distance, where McCaffrey did the rest.
This is another strong indicator of Darnold becoming more comfortable in the offense. The signal-caller we saw on the New York Jets might have crumbled in this scenario, but he held his nerve and came up with the goods for a second-straight week.
The Panthers now have a short week before taking on the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. Darnold has more momentum than perhaps even the brightest optimist suspected after two games, which all bodes well when they clash with a team that’s projected to be in contention for the No. 1 overall selection in 2022.
Darnold can be thoroughly pleased with his efforts so far. But there are still 15 games to go and consistency must remain at this level or even improve to silence his doubters.