4 major observations from Sam Darnold’s performance at Seahawks

Sam Darnold should see out the season

The Carolina Panthers saw enough from Sam Darnold against the Denver Broncos to feel comfortable about waiving Baker Mayfield. This latest outing is more evidence for the quarterback to see out the campaign under center, at the very least.

This was Darnold’s final chance to prove he could successfully lead an NFL franchise. While it isn’t perfect by any means, the signal-caller deserves credit for settling in well and providing a level of assurance that wasn’t there when Mayfield manned the plate.

Carolina is now within touching distance of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South. An incredible turn of events for a team that looked down and out under Matt Rhule’s inept leadership.

Of course, the running game deserves plenty of plaudits after another imposing display at the Seattle Seahawks. But praise should also be plentiful for Darnold, who is adapting superbly to a game-manager role, and in all honesty, it’s been a breath of fresh air after so much uncertainty.

What comes next for Darnold remains a mystery. There is still enough bad film to suggest he’s likely to occupy a backup role in 2023, but if the player can continue impressing down the stretch and perhaps even secure postseason football for Carolina, those in power might alter their initial thoughts when it’s all said and done.