4 ways Sam Darnold can help himself in 2022 training camp
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold must take things one day at a time
Focusing on what you control is a great motto to have.
Not just in football. In life, too.
Sam Darnold has conducted himself well throughout the offseason despite the ongoing cloud hanging over his future. He still appears confident in becoming a productive NFL quarterback, even if there is enough bad film to suggest that this isn’t possible entering Year 5 of his professional career.
What the Carolina Panthers do in terms of further acquisitions is out of Darnold’s hands. And it’s probably comforting to know that he’s still getting paid a whopping $18.85 million either way.
If nothing else, Darnold should be extra motivated. This is his last chance to prove beyond all doubt he can get the Panthers where they want to go, but taking things one day at a time in training camp and developing clear flaws in his game is imperative.
The list is long in that regard. Darnold’s pre-snap recognition, timing, decision-making, and footwork all need significant adjustments, so there is much work ahead for the player regardless of whether someone else comes into the fold.
Taking things day by day is the only way Darnold is going to stay sane, never mind making strides on the field. This also applies to the upcoming weeks before training camp and how his situation could change.