2 winners and 2 losers from Carolina Panthers’ loss at the Saints in Week 17
By Jason Huber
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
Last week, Sam Darnold returned from the shoulder injury that had sidelined him since early November. During that time, the Carolina Panthers brought back Cam Newton, which was all fun and joy, until it wasn’t.
Newton struggled but Carolina had nothing to play for anymore.
Since Darnold is still set to make $18.85 million next year whether he’s with the Panthers or not, Matt Rhule started him again on Sunday, and while he played clean football, the signal-caller was still not very good.
Darnold only threw one interception. But that one pick was late in the fourth quarter for an opportunity to come back and win the game.
It’s not surprising considering how poor Carolina has been the past two years in late-game situations. Darnold took very few deep shots during the contest and finished the game completing 17-of-26 passes for 132 yards, averaging just 5.1 yards per completion.
His offensive line, which we’ll get into, also did him no favors as Darnold was sacked seven times.
Look, Newton wasn’t playing well but Darnold isn’t any better. Once again, the Panthers are in quarterback purgatory.