4 crucial observations from Sam Darnold in Panthers 2022 training camp
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold had a solid camp
If this was the last chance saloon for Sam Darnold, he responded well to the challenge with a solid training camp overall. However, the same was said last season before things turned sour pretty quickly despite a promising start.
Darnold showcased his arm strength and appears more relaxed than usual. Perhaps the presence of Baker Mayfield hogging the limelight benefitted him to a certain extent, even if the competition outcome looks like a foregone conclusion.
In truth, Darnold couldn’t have done any more. Focusing on getting better and ignoring the outside noise was key throughout, which the player successfully accomplished with the rumor mill swirling surrounding his status.
One would be hard-pressed to find a beat reporter or fan who thinks Darnold got the better of Mayfield in camp. But that does not detract from his encouraging overall performance aside from a few critical errors that highlighted the gamble the Carolina Panthers would make by giving him another go around.
At the very least, Darnold’s strong camp puts a positive spin after such a turbulent 2021 campaign. If he can keep this up during the preseason, then another team might come calling after all.