5 ways Panthers QB Sam Darnold can shine vs. the Eagles in Week 5

How can Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold shine against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 of the 2021 season?

It’s been a positive start for Sam Darnold through his first four games with the Carolina Panthers. His two-interception outing at the Dallas Cowboys aside, the quarterback has demonstrated some significant progress in a relatively short space of time after the organization brought him on board from the New York Jets.

What comes next for Darnold is vital. Not only from a personal perspective but also in terms of the Panthers potentially becoming one of the surprise playoff teams in 2021.

Carolina has some winnable games over the next month that could do their chances when things get tougher a tremendous amount of good. The Philadelphia Eagles cannot be taken lightly in Week 5, so the onus will be on Darnold to lead from the front even with the prospect of Christian McCaffrey returning to the fold.

With this in mind, here are five ways Darnold can shine against the Eagles in Week 5.

Way No. 1

Sam Darnold must react quickly to pressure

If one thing has emerged from the season so far, it’s that Sam Darnold is going to be under pressure when he steps back to pass. There is some doubt as to whether Cam Erving will take his place in the lineup on Sunday, which could finally see Brady Christensen given a shot at winning the left tackle position long-term.

Either way, unless a drastic turnaround takes place, then Darnold is going to be under fire. Especially on the interior with the likes of Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox on the opposite side of the line.

Darnold has been solid under duress and certainly more convincing than many anticipated. If he can do this well against the Eagles, then it should come with some success.