3 reasons the Carolina Panthers should avoid Hard Knocks in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must consider the Sam Darnold factor
The Carolina Panthers should also consider the situation regarding Sam Darnold before agreeing to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks if presented with the opportunity. It appears highly likely that the quarterback will get another chance to start in 2022 after the organization picked up his fifth-year option following his trade from the New York Jets, which cost them three draft picks and came with little in the way of genuine progress.
Darnold was erratic in front of torrid protection. There are also some clear processing and footwork flaws regarding the USC product and if he cannot fix these issues during the upcoming preparation period, then he can kiss his chances of starting in the NFL goodbye.
This is going to take a considerable effort from Darnold and the coaching staff. Quarterbacks are normally the focal point of Hard Knocks due to the position’s popularity and being put under the microscope further is the last thing the signal-caller or Carolina needs right now.
If the Panthers bring in a quarterback from the draft, trade, or free agency, it’s only going to turn up the heat further on Darnold, who doesn’t exactly thrive under pressure based on what we’ve seen throughout his career.
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Darnold is going to be scrutinized enough without Hard Knocks rocking up to camp. If the Panthers truly believe he can somehow turn things around – which seems highly unlikely – then taking him out of the limelight whatever way they can is the only way to accomplish this.