4 signs that suggest Panthers QB Sam Darnold might be a lost cause
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold has lost the fanbase
Bringing back Sam Darnold for one more go-around is almost inevitable. The Carolina Panthers made their bed by extending him before a single practice, so even if someone is acquired via trade or during the 2022 NFL Draft, the chance of him still being on the books is high.
This is not what the fans want to hear, or at least most of them. They became increasingly frustrated with Darnold’s poor performance in 2021 and were far from pleased when head coach Matt Rhule installed him as the team’s starter at the expense of Cam Newton, one of the greatest players in franchise history.
The Panthers haven’t enjoyed much in the way of success in recent years. Three successive five-win campaigns and a growing disconnection with the organization following the departure of retirement of team legends have seen Bank of America Stadium become something of a hotspot for away fans taking over if last season is any indication.
Enthusiasm is unlikely to shift in a positive direction if Darnold is the Week 1 starter. Even if that is now a distinct possibility according to the Charlotte Observer.
Cheering losing football is hard. And the fans who pay their hard-earned money to watch and buy PSL tickets have every right to feel frustrated and, in some cases, dismayed by the way things are currently unfolding.
There is almost no confidence in Darnold within the fanbase. That is a huge problem.