4 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 15

Could the Carolina Panthers make the playoffs with Sam Darnold?

Can the Carolina Panthers really go the distance? Where are they on the Sam Darnold situation?  – Ice_Krm

This is a good question and I think it’s something Carolina Panthers fans are still trying to get into their head that they are actually in postseason contention.

It’s simple, win the final four games and you’re in, assuming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose another game between now and the end of 2022. Yet, something that seems so simple may not be as such. This is why I’m still skeptical of a potential playoff berth.

I think this team is capable of making a push and I am in no way disputing that. My biggest question is, can they? Right now, I still don’t think they will be able to.

All it takes is for one team to shut down the Panthers’ run game and ruin Sam Darnold‘s flawless turnover rate. Could that be any of the four teams they face down the stretch? It certainly can.

Speaking of Darnold, as much as I would love for him to succeed, winning shouldn’t blind others from the fact that he is still not a great quarterback and is among the bottom-five starters currently in the NFL.

The former USC signal-caller is prone to turnovers. Despite having protection and play designs that keep him out of the pocket, he has shown to still be late on throws and never getting the ball out as quickly as you would hope.

Darnold is another reason why I remain a skeptic of a Carolina home playoff game next month.

All of these are fair concerns. If Carolina does make the playoffs, I will be thrilled. As of right now until proven otherwise I remain skeptical of the possibility.