4 ways Sam Darnold can help himself in 2022 training camp
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold must thrive off extra competition
For the first time in Sam Darnold’s NFL career, there is a legitimate threat to his starting job. Hard to believe considering how bad the quarterback’s been since becoming the No. 3 overall selection in 2018, but that’s more of an indictment on the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers than anything else.
As of right now, Matt Corral is Darnold’s opposition in training camp. The Ole Miss product was the top signal-caller on Carolina’s board and the team struck with conviction to end his concerning slide at No. 94 overall.
Just how ready Corral will be right out of the gate is undetermined. But influential voices within the organization appear confident this can be their franchise guy if everything goes according to plan.
As stated previously, there is also a high likelihood of the Panthers bringing in another veteran to compete and potentially assume command under center. Carolina has kept enough cap space available to pull something off if they wish, which will only heighten the pressure on Darnold to make the improvements needed.
Nobody knows for sure just how Darnold will react to having competition for the first time. But he must take the challenge head-on to stand any chance of seeing the field again in 2022.
Easier said than done, but it just comes down to Darnold’s mettle when it’s all said and done.