How can Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold seize what’s clearly his final starting chance in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos?
Last weekend’s game against the Baltimore Ravens represented a last-chance saloon situation for Baker Mayfield. After the former Oklahoma star fluffed his lines, the same scenario now comes upon the head of Sam Darnold after the Carolina Panthers made yet another switch at football’s most important position.
Interim head coach Steve Wilks declared his confidence in Darnold by naming him as Carolina’s No. 1 in Week 12 versus the Denver Broncos. An almost laughable merry-go-round under center that has evidently held the Panthers back over the last three years.
Darnold took his time getting back from a high ankle sprain and waited patiently for his opportunity. Whether the USC product can make a better go of things based on his first season with the Panthers is highly debatable.
With this in mind, here are four ways Darnold can seize the moment and become Carolina’s starting option for their remaining engagements in 2022.
Way No. 1
Sam Darnold must take complete charge
The Carolina Panthers cannot afford any more hesitancy under center. This hasn’t provided any confidence whatsoever in 2022 and if the same fate befalls Sam Darnold, the consequences will be severe not only this season but for his overall career prospects beyond the campaign.
Darnold hasn’t been seen in a competitive environment for almost a year. With that being said, the signal-caller must assume complete charge from the outset and install a sense of belief among his teammates that wasn’t evident previously.
This won’t be easy against such an outstanding defense. But it’s the only way Darnold can perform up to the moderate level anticipated.
Sam Darnold must trust his OL
For all Sam Darnold’s faults since entering the league, one could point fingers at the offensive lines he’s been forced to work behind both with the Carolina Panthers and earlier on the New York Jets. Something that’s played a leading role in the player flattering to deceive more often than not.
Darnold will assume command of the starting job in Week 12 and can now confidently say this is the best offensive line he’s worked with during his career. The Panthers finally invested in their protection effectively this offseason, which has seen this group become one of the NFL’s most improved units throughout the campaign.
One notable feature of Baker Mayfield’s time under center was his hesitancy in the pocket. The No. 1 overall selection in 2018 just didn’t trust his protection for whatever reason, which led to complications going through his reads and bringing pressure on himself thanks to some concerning indecision.
This is the one thing Darnold cannot do. Having a belief that his protection will stand up in the face of concerted pressure is absolutely critical to any strides he makes this weekend and potentially beyond.
The Panthers haven’t had many bright spots this season. But the offensive line is undoubtedly one of them and this is something Darnold should take advantage of with increased confidence and additional poise in the pocket.
Sam Darnold must get D.J. Moore involved
The lack of chemistry between D.J. Moore and Baker Mayfield was disappointing and astonishing in equal measure. There wasn’t much time for the duo to hone cohesion this summer thanks to the quarterback’s late arrival and the needless competition with Sam Darnold, but they never really got on the same page.
This was once again evident during the Carolina Panthers’ woeful offensive display at the Baltimore Ravens. Moore was called out by interim head coach Steve Wilks for not bringing in more receptions, but Mayfield is also carrying the can for the team’s failings and the onus will now be on Darnold to steady the ship.
Whether the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 is capable of such feats is doubtful. However, there were moments in 2021 when the signal-caller and Moore truly hit it off, which has to continue in Week 12 for both to thrive.
Moore has the talent, we all know that. The wideout’s gone over 1,000 receiving yards in three consecutive campaigns despite the lack of stable production under center, so just why he’s been on the relative fringes within Ben McAdoo’s scheme remains a mystery.
If Darnold wants to stand any chance of seizing this opportunity, then Moore must become the focal point of their passing attack. However, that will be easier said than done when one considers the supreme skill set possessed by Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Sam Darnold must not make costly errors
Some of the main criticisms of Sam Darnold have been erratic distribution and silly decisions. This was put down to rookie growing pains and the inept coaching of Adam Gase, but it didn’t take long to realize these problems were much more deep-rooted upon arriving at the Carolina Panthers.
Darnold thrived against less-than-stellar opposition over the first three weeks of 2021. But when Christian McCaffrey went down with another injury, the quarterback reverted to type and went on a disastrous run before and after a spell on injured/reserve.
Fate has now given Darnold another shot almost by default with P.J. Walker out through injury and Baker Mayfield offering almost nothing. The jury is still out as to whether or not he can galvanize himself, but ridding unwanted errors in key moments from his game would be a good place to start.
The critical element for Darnold is not forcing the issue. Take what the Denver Broncos defense gives him and rely on the running game to potentially put him in manageable situations in pursuit of moving the chains.
When Darnold starts overthinking things, that’s when the problems arise. Improving efficiency and taking fewer risks would also be beneficial, but the task awaiting him is a steep one with the Broncos possessing one of the NFL’s most prolific defenses despite trading star edge rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins.
There are times when Darnold’s feet don’t match his processing or throwing motion. And it’s going to take a monumental turnaround to alleviate these fears.