4 ways Sam Darnold can bounce back vs. the Vikings in Week 6

How can Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold bounce back against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6 of the 2021 season?

It was a rough afternoon for Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold in Week 5.

His three-interception outing against the Philadelphia Eagles saw the player display the same characteristics we saw during his torrid three years on the New York Jets. Something that was a far cry from what the signal-caller demonstrated over the first three games of the campaign.

Darnold needs to respond this week when the Panthers take the field at Bank of America Stadium once again. The Minnesota Vikings boast a strong roster across the board, so it’ll be another strong indicator as to whether the former USC star is capable of filling the position for the foreseeable future.

In truth, the jury is still out.

But this was always going to be a continuous evaluation where Darnold is concerned and it is far too soon to be writing him off just yet.

However, what comes next is of critical importance. Here are four ways Darnold can bounce back against the Vikings in Week 6.

Way No. 1

Sam Darnold must be confident

This is easier said than done behind a terrible offensive line. But if Sam Darnold can relax a little better then it will do his chances of bouncing back the world of good.

Head coach Matt Rhule stated that when Darnold is under pressure, mistakes will happen. Not exactly the most glowing recommendation the quarterback’s ever received, to put it mildly.

This all comes down to confidence. Darnold has all the skills needed to make a real go of things in Carolina, but it’s clear that this needs building up gradually after it was knocked to the brink in New York.

Time is something NFL players in prominent positions such as Darnold don’t really have. So putting the last two games to the back of his mind and focusing on what’s in front of him is absolutely essential.