5 ways Panthers QB Sam Darnold can shine vs. the Eagles in Week 5
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold must get everybody involved
There appears to be a realistic chance that Christian McCaffrey makes it into the lineup after missing just one game with a hamstring injury. However, if the All-Pro is declared fit, it would be a major mistake by the Carolina Panthers to lean on him heavily.
The offense looked okay without McCaffrey at the Dallas Cowboys. Although the same third-quarter problems reared their ugly head once again and ultimately cost them a notable victory on the road.
Sam Darnold threw for 300 yards once again and tried hard to bring his team back from the brink without quite doing enough. There were a couple of throws he’d like to have back – particularly on deep routes – so if this area of his game improves then the sky is the limit.
Darnold must continue to utilize every weapon on offense. An over-reliance on D.J. Moore and McCaffrey isn’t the smart way to go, especially as the likes of Robby Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. can also make significant gains when given the chance.
The Philadelphia Eagles wouldn’t have what would be described as a dominant secondary. So if Darnold can remain composed and make the right decisions early and often, it should stand the Panthers in good stead.