4 ways Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold can hurt the Cowboys in Week 4
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold must trust his TEs
In order for the Carolina Panthers to get their hands on talented cornerback C.J. Henderson, they had to give up Dan Arnold to the Jacksonville Jaguars as part of the deal. The tight end flashed real quality over the first three games, but those in power decided that the former No. 9 overall selection was worth taking a chance on.
That might be all well and good, especially considering the Panthers will potentially be without Jaycee Horn for the rest of the season. But it takes away a reliable weapon across the middle and in the red zone for Sam Darnold.
Carolina is now relying on the inconsistent Ian Thomas and rookie Tommy Tremble for tight-end production. Something Darnold also has to trust to a certain extent at the Dallas Cowboys.
This bears more significance with Christian McCaffrey out. The Panthers still possess a dynamic wide receiver trio of D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Terrace Marshall Jr., but Thomas and Tremble need to get open early and often to make things easier for their signal-caller.
Getting the football out quickly in front of a suspect pass protection is a vital component of the game for Darnold. However, this will count for nothing if his tight ends cannot create separation and become a relief option if nobody else is open.