4 critical observations from Sam Darnold’s performance at the Saints
By Dean Jones
Lack of confidence in Sam Darnold
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers went with a basic approach initially where Sam Darnold was concerned. If this was somewhat expected, what came next was less so and looked like an offensive scheme that had little trust in the quarterback.
The Panthers spent the third quarter either running the football with mixed success or drawing up screen-plays. This allowed the New Orleans Saints to keep a strong field position and stay within touching distance down the stretch.
Darnold’s live arm was on full display during big gains to Terrace Marshall Jr. and D.J. Moore. But the same red-zone problems resurfaced and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon has to shoulder some of the blame for not putting his players in the best position to succeed.
Carolina kept Darnold in the game throughout, with Cam Newton featuring just once on a running play. His accuracy was above average overall, but this was not helped by a lack of conviction from Nixon that the Saints figured out pretty quickly after the half-time interval.
Yes, this was Darnold’s first official start since returning from injury. But if the Panthers’ plan was to play risk-free football for fear of denting his confidence further, it was ill-advised.
Either allow him some sort of freedom or don’t bother. Especially as the team is tied to Darnold next season, too.