What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14?
After an encouraging first start in 2022 for Sam Darnold, there was a quiet sense of optimism surrounding another impressive outing at the Seattle Seahawks. This was a far sterner test than Week 12, but extra preparation during the bye week meant the Carolina Panthers weren’t without a chance despite their concerning away record of late.
Darnold‘s efficiency and big throws in key moments played a leading role for Carolina in their win over the Denver Broncos. Something that added to Steve Wilks’ comfort level when Baker Mayfield returned to the facility and asked for his release on Monday.
The Seahawks weren’t going to do Darnold any favors with playoff football in sight. As it turned out, his efficiency continued as the Panthers pulled off a massive upset to secure their first road win of the campaign.
With that in mind, here are four major observations from Darnold’s performance at the Seahawks in Week 14.
Major Observation No. 1
Sam Darnold started well
It was an imposing start from the Carolina Panthers in a difficult environment. Sam Darnold played his part, keeping the chains moving and taking advantage of Jaycee Horn’s interception with a well-placed delivery to Shi Smith for his first career touchdown catch.
Darnold was also turnover-free in the first half, which was a positive. He did miss a couple of throws under duress, but there ended up being far more good than bad to open the contest.
Sam Darnold had trouble with pressure
One thing that’s been the hallmark of Sam Darnold’s erratic career so far is an inability to successfully distribute the football under pressure. This is when his decision-making becomes poor and something that obviously didn’t go unnoticed by Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll during his planning.
The Carolina Panthers offensive line had an average afternoon compared to what we’ve witnessed throughout the campaign. Seattle’s exotic blitz packages and outstanding coverage prowess made life difficult for Darnold on occasions, which threatened to complicate matters in the second half.
Darnold was sacked two times and was flustered on many more occasions when the Seahawks penetrated Carolina’s protection. However, there were some impressive runs in the second half once the signal-caller escaped and there was far more composure to his decisions than he’s ever displayed since entering the NFL as the No. 3 overall selection in 2018.
Again, this is a positive step forward for Darnold. He cost his team in big ways under similar duress during his first campaign with the Panthers in 2021, which is a trend that can hopefully continue over the next four games.
There seems to be a newfound maturity where Darnold is concerned since his return to the starting lineup. If the same trend is maintained down the stretch, it could lead to another opportunity in Carolina or elsewhere next season.
Sam Darnold had a solid day overall
There was nothing spectacular about Sam Darnold’s production in Week 14. But the quarterback didn’t get in his own way and provided a big enough presence to lead the Carolina Panthers to victory.
Darnold ended the contest with a 58.33 percent completion rate for 120 passing yards, one touchdown, and an 85.4 passer rating. More importantly, the signal-caller played his second straight game without a turnover, which always helps.
Carolina made its intentions to run the football known throughout. This makes life more manageable for Darnold, who is thriving with better protection and with a true running force to call upon in times of trouble.
After so much mediocrity or worse over the last three seasons, there is now hope under Steve Wilks. This is also having a positive effect on Darnold, who is enjoying a mini-renaissance after being tasked with less in the way of responsibility since returning.
Keeping this up down the stretch is of critical importance. The Panthers are playing meaningful football in December for the first time since their last playoff appearance and with the NFC South title in sight, Darnold needs to keep this up down the stretch for the unlikeliest of postseason berths.
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.