4 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat in Week 12 vs. Broncos

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

The day many Carolina Panthers fans thought would never arrive, has.

Sam Darnold is back as the No. 1 option under center.

After another poor outing for Baker Mayfield in Week 11, the writing was on the wall. No longer would the same excuses wash and with P.J. Walker still working his way back from injury, interim head coach Steve Wilks felt the time was right to get Darnold back in the saddle and see if improvements arrive.

Based on Darnold’s production last season, it appears unlikely. However, the former USC star appears quietly confident he can make something happen behind the best offensive line he’s ever had the benefit of working behind.

As stated previously, the Panthers offense isn’t clicking right now. It’s also worth remembering that the Denver Broncos boast an exceptional defensive unit despite shifting Bradley Chubb off the books via trade to the Miami Dolphins.

They are giving up just 186.8 yards per game through the air – ranked No. 3 across the league – and their secondary has one of the game’s best young shutdown cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain II for good measure.

Much like the situation with Mayfield last weekend, this could be Darnold’s final chance in a Carolina uniform. If he fails to show enough, then Wilks will turn back to Walker providing he gets healthy during the bye week.