4 critical observations from Sam Darnold’s performance at the Bucs

What were some critical observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18?

Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers got the chance to make one last positive impression during their regular-season finale at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This was never going to be an easy task on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions, who were still fighting for the No. 2 playoff seed heading into the contest.

Darnold is the only quarterback under contract in 2022. But there are growing rumors surrounding the Panthers potentially making another move for Houston Texans signal-caller Deshaun Watson providing his legal situation resolves positively. Couple this with Joe Person of The Athletic stating that the organization is ready to move on and it’s not hard to see how much was at stake heading into Week 18.

There shouldn’t be any illusions where Darnold is concerned. His production hasn’t been anywhere near good enough to win the job outright in 2022.

With this in mind, here are four critical observations from Darnold’s performance at the Buccaneers to end the 2021 campaign.

Critical Observation No. 1

Sam Darnold’s sensational start

If there were any nerves on Sam Darnold’s behalf, he certainly didn’t show them during a sensational opening drive that consisted of 20 plays, lasted seven and a half minutes, and finished with the signal-caller looping one to running back Chuba Hubbard for the touchdown.

Darnold looked decisive, composed, and made some impressive third-down conversions to both D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson to keep the chains moving. This was somewhat unexpected considering what we’ve seen of late, but one couldn’t be anything other than impressed.

Keeping it up for a consistent period would be the biggest challenge. But the Panthers couldn’t have asked for anything else on the opening series.