5 Carolina Panthers who have held the team back in 2021
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
After a strong start to the campaign, two touchdowns and 12 turnovers over the last seven games – coupled with a spell on the reserve/injured list – was not what the doctor ordered for Sam Darnold. The Carolina Panthers gambled heavily on the former No. 3 overall selection finally reaching his potential in a different environment, giving up three draft picks to the New York Jets to make him their undisputed starter in 2021.
Darnold has sufficient arm strength and has flashed on occasions. But the harsh truth is he is never going to take the Panthers where they want to go.
One can make excuses for Darnold. Playing hurt behind a pathetic offensive line hasn’t done him any favors – but there are some mechanical and processing flaws that coaches cannot rectify from his game.
This is a major problem. One that’s been exasperated by Carolina picking up his fifth-year option at $18.85 million guaranteed without having the opportunity to evaluate the signal-caller in person.
Matt Rhule’s hung his hat on Darnold, sending Cam Newton to the bench at the earliest possible chance despite the 2015 NFL MVP conjuring 14 combined scores to just six turnovers during his time under center.
This could be the biggest indicator yet that the signal-caller will get another shot in 2022. Although Carolina will undoubtedly be linked with a big trade due to team owner David Tepper’s clear desire for a major splash.
Darnold might be past the point of no return. Another failed judgment at the most important position on the field.