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

Sam Darnold’s problem is talent, not heart

Things may not have gone Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers’ way in terms of the result. But one thing the signal-caller cannot be faulted for is effort.

It could have been easy to throw in the towel in the face of such a scoreline and with the offseason looming large. However, Darnold kept fighting and deserves credit for that if nothing else.

Darnold did lose a fumble and also threw a pick in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. Shortly before this, a beautiful pass under duress that was superbly brought in by Robby Anderson was the undoubted highlight from the quarterback and one of his better moments this season.

Stuff like this often gets overlooked. And the fury of Carolina’s fanbase regarding how things have transpired since the team’s 3-0 start means that heart is simply not enough anymore.

Nobody is suggesting Darnold doesn’t have major flaws. But one cannot accuse him of giving up at any stage.

Something that cannot be said for some on the roster right now.

Darnold might not be the answer long-term, and that’s a blow. Especially considering the USC product is clearly giving it absolutely everything on the field.

The quality is just not there more often than not, but the blame for such a heavy loss wasn’t all down to the man running things under center. Darnold’s failings are down to talent, not work ethic.