Why Justin Fields is making the Carolina Panthers front office look foolish
By Dean Jones
The encouraging progression of rookie quarterback Justin Fields is making the Carolina Panthers front office look foolish.
It’s now apparent to everyone that Sam Darnold is not the long-term answer under center for the Carolina Panthers. Another disastrous outing from the signal-caller against the New England Patriots was a damning indictment of how things are progressing for the former first-round pick, who looks like a broken man both in body language and production.
To make matters worse, the progress being made by a player many wanted the Panthers to go with instead is there for all to see.
Justin Fields might not have come away with a victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, but the Chicago Bears signal-caller demonstrated his outstanding physical traits – especially down the stretch in key moments.
Something the Panthers simply aren’t getting from Darnold.
Carolina made a huge call by giving up three draft picks to the New York Jets and picking up Darnold’s fifth-year option before the deadline. Fields was there for the taking at No. 8 overall, but the Panthers opted to select Jaycee Horn instead and put all their eggs in the USC product’s basket.
Those in power will inevitably go back to the drawing board next offseason in pursuit of finding a long-term successor to Cam Newton. Another big quarterback gamble hasn’t gone according to plan and now head coach Matt Rhule is on the lookout for his third starting signal-caller in as many years.
Not exactly a good look.
Fields is growing in stature with every passing game despite a porous offensive line and a less than stellar supporting cast. If this continues into the future, then the ability of Carolina’s staff to properly evaluate talent will be called into question.