4 critical flaws that Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold cannot fix

Sam Darnold’s decision-making is appalling

It’s not just processing information that is undermining Sam Darnold. There is also really poor decision-making thrown in for good measure.

If the Carolina Panthers thought they had the answer after the first three games, then the complete opposite can now be said and one has to point to a cupcake schedule in the early going for such a good start.

There is no conviction in anything Darnold is currently doing. His throws are erratic and the signal-caller is clearly lacking the confidence to make even the simplest throws.

This is a major problem for the Panthers, who probably should have kept Darnold off the field in Week 9 considering he didn’t practice much in the lead-up after he was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol following a brutal hit at the Atlanta Falcons.

Couple this with a shoulder problem that is now day-to-day and it’s not hard to see why this had a “lamb to the slaughter” feel to it where Darnold is concerned.

Again, these are things a coaching staff can only do so much with. Joe Brady’s conservative play-calling is largely down to no real belief in Darnold to get the job done, which will undoubtedly lead to a third starting quarterback in as many years for the current regime.

With special teams and defensive production already where it needs to be, Darnold and the offense’s misery are further enhanced. And there is just no telling how much worse things will get as the competition increases.