Carolina Panthers two-QB system doing more harm than good

Matt Rhule’s insistence on utilizing a two-quarterback system is doing far more harm than good where the Carolina Panthers are concerned.

It’s a situation that is seldom used in the NFL or even in college anymore. But that hasn’t stopped Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule from moving forward with a two-quarterback system that could see both Cam Newton and Sam Darnold see time on the field in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This is the Panthers‘ final home game of what’s turning out to be an extremely disappointing season. Rhule is coming under increasing scrutiny for his personnel decisions and a clear lack of in-game adjustments, which could leave his long-term future with the franchise in serious doubt once team owner David Tepper examines the wreckage of 2021 in the New Year.

Rhule stated in his presser on Wednesday that Newton would start this weekend. The head coach also wants to get Darnold some reps against a stout defensive front to see if he can get back to the level we saw over the first three weeks of the campaign.

Considering how long Darnold’s been out and his alarming regression without the security blanket of Christian McCaffrey, it would be a significant surprise if the former USC star can turn things around.

This unusual approach is a method that Rhule feels is in the team’s best interests. Although recent performances indicate something completely different.

"“My job, and our job here is to do what’s right for the team and the franchise always. To do what’s best to win this game this Sunday, that’s what we owe to those guys in the locker room. When you’re not winning, you’re trying different things to get yourself over the hump to win. So we’ll do what’s best in terms of the Carolina Panthers.”"

Two-QB system is not helping the Carolina Panthers.

Quarterbacks need to get into a rhythm. However, it seems Rhule has been keen to take Newton out after almost every turnover in favor of P.J. Walker, who isn’t exactly lighting things up either.

Considering how much the Panthers invested in Darnold to acquire him from the New York Jets this offseason and the fact he’s under contract for $18.85 million in 2022, Rhule will be even more eager to throw the signal-caller back in if Newton falters.

It’s also worth remembering that this could end up being Newton’s last game at Bank of America Stadium unless the Auburn product gets a contract extension. How likely that is has yet to be determined, but it doesn’t appear Rhule was anything like the mastermind when it came to bringing the player back.

The fans aren’t going to take Newton getting pulled for Darnold well at all. Some have already decided Rhule is not the man to take the Panthers back to contention and this might just be the tipping point for many.

This isn’t Darnold’s fault, or Newton’s for that matter.

Just name a starter and stick to it. Having the courage of your convictions commands more respect than doing something everyone wants before reverting to your original intentions.

Making smart football decisions hasn’t been commonplace for the Panthers under Rhule – especially at the most critical position on the field.

Since Newton was released, Carolina has used Teddy Bridgewater, Walker, and Darnold before returning to the former NFL MVP. Simply put, this is not a recipe for success and a microcosm of the problems enveloping the Panthers currently.

Something has to change, and quickly.

For now, fans should just embrace the fact this might be Newton’s final farewell and give such an iconic player the adulation he deserves.