4 ways Sam Darnold can help himself in 2022 training camp
By Dean Jones
How can Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold help himself during the team’s upcoming 2022 training camp in Spartanburg?
Even though the impression made by Sam Darnold during offseason workouts drew rave reviews, it’s not stopped speculation from mounting about a potential upgrade at the quarterback position. The Carolina Panthers made no secret of their desire to bring in some additional competition after the signal-caller’s poor level of performance in 2021, which has seen only Matt Corral come on board via the draft so far.
Trades for Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo remain a hot topic of discussion. Although there are some significant financial ramifications to figure out before either move is finalized.
Darnold would be surplus to requirements if this came to fruition. But he should know one way or another what his immediate future holds in the coming weeks with training camp on the horizon.
It’s highly likely that Darnold will be around in some capacity with a fully guaranteed $18.85 million coming his way. So how can the former USC star help himself in the stifling heat of Spartanburg?
Way No. 1
Sam Darnold must immerse himself in Ben McAdoo’s system
New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo made no secret of his criticism of Sam Darnold during his pre-draft evaluation process. How ironic that the two are now working together on the Carolina Panthers.
McAdoo was influential in Matt Corral coming to Carolina and has put extreme pressure on the team’s quarterbacks to pick things up in double-quick time ahead of training camp. Darnold was praised by the former New York Giants head coach during offseason workouts, but completely changing his perception is another matter entirely.
If Darnold can immerse himself in McAdoo’s scheme and demonstrate enough improvements, then it’ll only help his cause no matter who he’s competing against.