5 critical observations from Sam Darnold’s 2021 season

Sam Darnold’s processing remains an issue

One of the biggest problems Sam Darnold has faced even from his time at USC was the ability to process things quickly on the field. Going through reads efficiently and making the correct decisions from a distribution point of view are the hallmarks of any successful signal-caller at the next level – something the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 has found extremely difficult in college or the pros.

Again, there was hope that quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan could eradicate this from Darnold’s game. The respected figure worked wonders with the likes of Deshaun Watson and Matthew Stafford in recent years, but it was clear from early on this was not going to be as easy with his new project.

The Carolina Panthers did not prioritize their protection this offseason and it came back to haunt them. Opposing defenses know exactly what happens to Darnold when he gets flustered, which sadly came to fruition on countless occasions before and after a stint on the reserve/injured list.

Whether there is going to be any dramatic turnaround in this critical area of quarterback play during the offseason is highly unlikely. Ryan can work on the technical aspects with Darnold, but the mental element is down to the player.

He is no longer a rookie. Darnold is a four-year veteran now, so he might be past the point of no return.