3 areas Sam Darnold must improve for Carolina Panthers playoff push

Sam Darnold must show more poise

As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line is something to be proud of. And it’s been a long time since fans could say that.

Despite this, Sam Darnold is still leaving meat on the bones, so to speak. There are throws that drop jaws, but the player’s hesitancy in the pocket on occasions lets him down in equal measure.

Again, this might progress as Darnold gets more comfortable in the lineup. But the Panthers can ill afford the same lack of poise returning to his production that fans were forced to endure last season.

Darnold can at least call on some increased confidence with a new beard and a 2-0 record. But when it comes to the crunch, it’s unknown how he’ll fare when tasked with additional responsibility.

In an ideal world, the Panthers can run the football 40 or more times per game and take the heat off. With that being said, nothing ever goes according to plan on any given Sunday, so Darnold becoming more poised – especially when pressure comes his way – is an integral factor in Carolina potentially clinching the division in 2022.

This storyline is a fascinating one. If Darnold rises to the occasion and steers the Panthers to a place they haven’t been for some time, then the prospect of those in power giving him a new short-term deal is distinctly possible.

Darnold now controls his own destiny. One that could be a true road to redemption when it’s all said and done.