3 Carolina Panthers facing a do-or-die final four games in 2022
By Dean Jones
![(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Ben McAdoo (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Ben McAdoo](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F19034003-850x560-dd881140dae924cd9b5a11d65ba5f3603c2895e1cd80f3e5f512a01a07d1c563.jpg)
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
The Carolina Panthers aren’t asking an awful lot from Sam Darnold. Something that’s bringing some increased comfort behind the best offensive line the quarterback’s worked with since entering the NFL.
Darnold was efficient once at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, which resulted in his second consecutive turnover-free game. There were times when the USC product missed opportunities, but it was pleasing overall and the Panthers are hoping this is just the start of better things to come.
Based on how Darnold’s fared throughout his career, the jury remains out in that regard. This is a signal-caller prone to mistakes when too much pressure is put on his shoulders, but Carolina might need him to take the bull by the horns and make things happen at some stage down the stretch.
The legend of ‘Bearded Darnold‘ seems to be growing by the day. But all that matters is growth between the white lines in pursuit of getting the Panthers a shock NFC South championship when all hope seemed lost.
Darnold is getting a good audition for a short-term extension in Carolina or a move elsewhere when 2023 free agency begins. This notion was inconceivable before the campaign, so it’s another fine example of how staying focused can reap rewards when an opportunity arrives.