4 critical observations from Sam Darnold’s performance vs. the Vikings

Losing faith in Sam Darnold?

It appears as if the Carolina Panthers fanbase is already losing a significant amount of faith in Sam Darnold. Judging by the conservative play-calls throughout most of the second half, the coaching staff might be too.

A far cry from the optimism that enveloped the quarterback through the first three weeks of the season.

Simply put, Darnold is reverting to type. And this might be the player he is.

The Panthers thought they could turn his career around. But the fact is he might not have the necessary tools to accomplish such a drastic change of fortunes.

These haven’t been hard games for the Panthers and Darnold outside of their trip to the Dallas Cowboys. Their last two contests at home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings were nothing short of a disaster and Carolina’s gone from a potential surprise playoff berth to another season of abject failure if things don’t improve quickly.

Again, it might not be something this offense can do. And one only had to look at team owner David Tepper’s face in his suite to see that patience is wearing thin.

There was one exceptional 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter followed by a two-point conversion that tied things up, which came out of nowhere considering how Darnold performed throughout the game. He wasn’t helped by a ton of drops from various players, either.

It’s just a shame that he didn’t get the football in overtime to potentially win the game and change the narrative.

If the jury was still out on Darnold heading into this game, then there are now more concerns than ever as the quarterback goes back to MetLife Stadium in Week 7 to take on the New York Giants.