What are the major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s catastrophic performance at the New York Giants in Week 7?
Sam Darnold’s production – or lack thereof – for the Carolina Panthers over the last three weeks has come under severe scrutiny. It was always going to be a constant evaluation for the quarterback, who’s clearly lost the good graces of many following a tremendous start.
Putting things right was absolutely essential at the New York Giants in Week 7. A stadium that Darnold was extremely familiar with after a less than stellar three years at MetLife with the New York Jets.
Considering the number of significant injuries the Giants were trying to overcome, this was a must-win game for Darnold and the Panthers. Instead, the Panthers got blown out 25-3 and the former first-round pick was so poor he didn’t see out the contest.
With this in mind, here are five major observations from Darnold’s catastrophic performance at the Giants.
Observation No. 1
Sam Darnold couldn’t get going early
The Carolina Panthers tried to get Sam Darnold into some sort of a rhythm early on. Sadly, it did not have the desired effect.
He wasn’t helped by some notable drops again through the first few drives. But there appears to be a growing sense of trepidation whenever the signal-caller passes of late.
If there was a microcosm of how things are currently going for Darnold, it was the intentional grounding in the end zone. Carolina’s interior offensive line collapsed like a cheap suit and the quarterback was panicked into a costly mistake.
A sign of things to come.