4 major observations from Sam Darnold’s catastrophe at the Giants
By Dean Jones
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.