4 ways Sam Darnold can bounce back vs. the Vikings in Week 6
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold must not force the issue
Things have certainly looked different for the Carolina Panthers and Sam Darnold without the services of Christian McCaffrey. The All-Pro running back has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem, with head coach Matt Rhule stating that he was “50-50” to take his place in the lineup this weekend.
This puts additional pressure on Darnold. Something that’s causing the player to force the issue and make errors of judgment.
Darnold’s interceptions have skyrocketed from just one of the first three games to five in his last two. This simply isn’t sustainable in pursuit of convincing people that he’s the man for the job long term.
The Minnesota Vikings will be all too aware of this.
Mike Zimmer is a master of dialing up schemes and blitz packages to cause havoc on opposing quarterbacks. One only has to look at how the Philadelphia Eagles generating pressure with four on Sunday to see what complications can emerge.
What’s important for Darnold is harnessing this additional responsibility in the correct fashion if McCaffrey is missing once again. Rely on the run game, take what the defense gives him, and connect on shots downfield when the opportunity is there.
Carolina’s defense should keep them in it providing they contain a talented Vikings offense. But whether they can emerge victoriously or not will be dependent on Darnold.