Sam Darnold’s honeymoon period comes to an end vs. the Eagles

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s honeymoon period is officially over after a poor performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.

After an outstanding start to the 2021 season from Sam Darnold, the quarterback has failed to build on this positive momentum over the last fortnight. He turned in his worst performance of the campaign against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, which played a leading role behind Matt Rhule’s men succumbing to their second loss.

The honeymoon period is officially over for Darnold, who seemed to revert to type behind a pathetic offensive line that needs to provide better protection in order for the signal-caller to thrive.

Everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers knows what this offensive line is. Something that isn’t exactly a great surprise following their offseason recruitment that left a lot to be desired.

That being said, there is no doubt Darnold has to be better.

His three interceptions make it six on the season and the former USC star appeared to be returning to some very bad habits that Carolina is trying to eradicate from his game.

A loss like this always comes with overreactions. The Eagles were there for the taking and another second-half collapse meant the Panthers and Darnold were unable to take advantage.

This is something Darnold fully recognized in his post-game presser, which shows he is holding himself accountable and realizing what he needs to do in pursuit of making the position his own long-term.

"“Obviously a tough loss. Did not play well enough today. That’s what it boils down to. Didn’t play my best football. For me, I’ve got to keep staying patient. To me, the biggest thing was pressing too much. I felt like some of those I was holding onto the ball too long. That can also lead to pressure. There’s a bunch of things that go into it, and I’ve got to watch the tape to really tell you the truth on some of those. A lot of instances, I was hanging onto the ball too long, and I’ve got to get it out.”"

It’s way too early to give up on Sam Darnold.

It’s not been good over the last two weeks. There’s no getting away from this where Darnold is concerned.

But it is way too early to be giving up on the player just yet.

The NFL is what have you done for me lately league, obviously. Nobody knows that more than Darnold after he was shipped to the Panthers once the New York Jets decided to go with Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Getting Christian McCaffrey back is absolutely crucial. Hopefully, that will come in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings providing everything goes according to plan during practice in the coming days.

Darnold looked a completely different player when McCaffrey was on the field. Forcing the issue stems from perhaps a little too much responsibility on his shoulders without the All-Pro.

The signal-caller also has to do a better job of processing things on the field and connecting with his wide receivers when they’re open. Robby Anderson’s frustrations on the sideline after Darnold’s third pick of the afternoon was a sentiment echoed by Carolina’s long-suffering fanbase who were hoping for something better.

All hope is not lost for Darnold.

But it’s another massive test of the player’s resolve with doubts creeping in surrounding his long-term future with the franchise.

Honeymoons are always great. However, what comes next is more important and Darnold should be under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting him next Sunday and beyond.