What were some key observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Sam Darnold was going to play a part on Sunday. The Carolina Panthers cleared the quarterback for contact earlier in the week and Matt Rhule is now looking to integrate the former first-round pick back into a starting position at the expense of Cam Newton – someone that the head coach didn’t really want back judging by recent events.
Rhule stated he is still evaluating whether Darnold can be the team’s starting option in 2022. Although many fans have seen enough based on his incredible regression from Weeks 4-9 before he was mercifully put on the reserve/injured list.
Rumors about how involved Darnold would be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers began in the morning. But in truth, Rhule was always going to go back to a player he clearly still believes in for some unbeknown reason.
Without further ado, here are four key observations from Darnold’s return in Week 16.
Key Observation No. 1
Reception for Sam Darnold was frosty
Considering most fans were there to see Cam Newton during what could end up being his final game at Bank of America Stadium, it was no surprise to see Sam Darnold get a frosty reception when Matt Rhule put him in the game.
Darnold was clearly a gamble that’s not paying off. Some fans never supported the move and Rhule’s insistence that the USC product is a better option than Newton right now isn’t sitting well with those who are casting some glares of discontent regarding Carolina’s mismanagement at the most important position on the field.
One has to feel a little sorry for Darnold. He didn’t ask for this and was put in an impossible situation by the Panthers coaching staff. And in all honesty, the boos weren’t really for him.