What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15?
When Sam Darnold was named the starting quarterback, there wasn’t much confidence in his ability to successfully lead the Carolina Panthers. Not unexpected when one considers how much he struggled in 2021, but a 2-0 start and turnover-free production has shifted the narrative slightly at an important stage of the campaign.
Darnold is taking command at the line of scrimmage, leaning on a superb running attack and an offensive line that’s made substantial strides throughout the season. It’s far from perfect, but this is Carolina’s best option right now and something Steve Wilks went with once again versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15.
This was arguably the most important game of Darnold’s five-year career. One that ended in defeat against a Steelers team that was more than up for the physical challenge in front of them.
With that being said, here are four major observations from Darnold’s performance against the Steelers at Bank of America Stadium.
Major Observation No. 1
Sam Darnold was under constant duress
It wasn’t the best performance from the offensive line overall. One could argue it was their worst collective outing since Week 1 when the Carolina Panthers were beaten by the Cleveland Browns on home soil.
This meant Sam Darnold was under constant duress. Pittsburgh got to the signal-caller four times and there were countless other occasions when the quarterback didn’t get anywhere near enough time to go through his progressions.
That’s a recipe for disaster against a team that thrives on generating early momentum.
Sam Darnold was forced to do more
There was always going to be a time down the stretch when Sam Darnold needed to come out of his comfort zone. That turned out to be Week 15 with almost no help from his offensive line or running game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After gaining just 21 rushing yards, the Carolina Panthers had to tear up their blueprint and put the game in Darnold’s hands. The No. 3 overall selection in 2018 held up well in the circumstances, but it was always going to be a challenge of epic proportions once the Steelers got a two-touchdown lead.
Carolina had opportunities to claw it back. Darnold made some beautiful throws in key moments, but the team just couldn’t find the right formula when reaching the red zone, settling for field goals when touchdowns were absolutely vital.
If the running game isn’t working, fair enough. But when the protection in front of Darnold also crumbled for the first time since he assumed command of the starting job, the cards were completely stacked against the signal-caller all things considered.
Hopefully, this was just a blip and the Panthers can finish the season strongly. Darnold proved he can make plays when needed, but it’s hard to look at how this team is set up right now and think they can succeed without everything clicking into place every week on offense.
Sam Darnold’s connection with D.J. Moore improved
The connection between Sam Darnold and D.J. Moore took a major step back at the Seattle Seahawks. Concerns also surrounded the wide receiver during the week thanks to an ankle complication that left him questionable for the contest.
After the Pittsburgh Steelers seized the initiative early on, the onus was on Darnold to make things happen in the passing game. And when a big play was needed, Moore was the man he looked for.
Of all the torrid quarterbacks Moore’s worked with in recent years, his chemistry with Darnold is arguably the best. Something that was evident once again in Week 15 en route to a much-improved afternoon from the former first-round selection out of Maryland.
Moore finished with five receptions from six targets for 73 receiving yards and one touchdown. Not exactly eye-popping stats, but a step in the right direction nonetheless.
This was even more encouraging when one considers how good Pittsburgh’s defense was from start to finish. Darnold needs Moore at the top of his game in pursuit of finishing the campaign strongly, so this progress between the pair was encouraging if nothing else.
It wasn’t going to be Carolina’s day – that was clear from some way out. But the duo of Darnold and Moore can take heart from their improved timing.
Carolina Panthers’ loss is not all on Sam Darnold
The quarterback normally carries the can more than most in defeat. That’s been the case for Sam Darnold during his time with the Carolina Panthers, but this time was a little different.
Could Darnold have done more? Of course – especially when the Panthers got into the business end of the field.
But putting this loss entirely on his shoulders is ignoring the bigger picture.
Carolina’s defense didn’t show up, the offensive line was poor, and the running game became non-existent when needed most. Throw all those components into the mix and it’s not hard to see why the Panthers ended their unbeaten run at Bank of America Stadium under interim head coach Steve Wilks.
Darnold finished the game with a 60.87 percent completion rate for 255 passing yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 108.1. He was sacked four times.
A third-straight fixture without turning the football over is a testament to Darnold’s improved decision-making. But in all honesty, he was fighting an uphill battle due to frailties elsewhere.
This was also acknowledged by Wilks in his post-game presser, even if he didn’t commit to Darnold as their starter in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. If the coach goes back to P.J. Walker, it would be incredibly harsh.