What were the major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17?
Sam Darnold has gone from a forgotten man to the focal point in just a few short weeks. His much-improved performance levels have been a core component behind the Carolina Panthers’ recent success, something they were hoping would continue during their pivotal NFC South title showdown at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17.
Darnold has momentum for the first time since his 3-0 start to life in Carolina following his trade from the New York Jets. If he could overcome a talented Buccaneers secondary, then his chances of earning a new deal would undoubtedly increase as a result.
This was the Panthers’ biggest game in some time and Darnold’s most important since entering the NFL. Despite some strong numbers, the signal-caller was unable to get the better of Tom Brady as Carolina faltered in its bid for postseason football.
With that in mind, here are four major observations from Darnold’s performance at Raymond James Stadium.
Major Observation No. 1
Sam Darnold’s perfect start
The Carolina Panthers set the tone with an impressive opening drive that saw Sam Darnold emerge with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. His accuracy was on point and there was a real conviction in the player’s delivery that concluded with a nice touchdown pass to Tommy Tremble.
Unfortunately, things weren’t nearly as easy thereafter. Going away from the run game didn’t help, but nothing much went right for a team that held complete command until the fourth quarter.
Sam Darnold gave up three turnovers
Going four games without an interception was arguably the most impressive element of Sam Darnold’s upturn in production. However, this streak was halted in no uncertain terms as the signal-caller turned the football over three times at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Perhaps the quarterback was responsible for one – an ill-advised throw to Stephen Sullivan that was picked near the goal line. There was a clear miscommunication with Bradley Bozeman pre-snap that led to the first fumble, with the final nail in the Carolina Panthers’ coffin coming when Ikem Ekwonu got beaten on Darnold’s blindside for his third giveaway of the afternoon.
This was far from ideal and came at the worst possible time. Darnold was largely accurate aside from one or two mishaps, but the trio of turnovers didn’t do the Panthers any favors whatsoever.
Darnold’s been an easy scapegoat given his erratic production since entering the league. So whether this recently improved efficiency was a flash in the pan or not remains to be seen.
This weekend’s turnover frenzy – if it was his fault or not – casts further doubts on his long-term aspirations in the NFL. It’s also done nothing to enhance his hopes of an extended stay in Carolina beyond the 2022 season.
When all the chips pushed into the middle, Darnold couldn’t come through. But he wasn’t alone in that regard.
Sam Darnold had some jaw-dropping moments
It wasn’t all bad from Sam Darnold in Week 17.
Far from it, actually.
The former USC star produced some mesmerizing throws throughout the contest. D.J. Moore was the main beneficiary, going over 100 yards through the air and also getting another score as his ongoing chemistry with Darnold flourished once again.
Darnold’s touchdown pass to Shi Smith was another notable highlight. But when push came to shove, it wasn’t enough to keep Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the rearview mirror.
The quarterback carries the can. This is the NFL’s most important playing position and with so much on the line, Darnold should rightfully be scrutinized for not taking better care of the football in critical situations.
With that being said, Darnold’s stats indicate things are moving along encouragingly. Even if the final result didn’t go Carolina’s way.
The No. 3 overall selection in 2018 finished the contest with a 62.16 percent completion success rate for 341 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a 108.1 passer rating. He was sacked twice, gained 20 rushing yards, and coughed up two fumbles.
At the end of the day, winning was all that mattered in this one. Darnold didn’t stop fighting, but it was an uphill battle late in proceedings.
Sam Darnold’s future is murkier than ever
This was an unlikely opportunity for Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers. One that seemed almost unbelievable after a 1-5 start and trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers.
While beating Tom Brady in these situations is challenging, victory was within the Panthers’ grasp until falling late on. The defense was non-existent – especially in the secondary – and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo going away from the running attack that broke franchise records in Week 16 was nothing short of bizarre.
Darnold played well enough and he isn’t the biggest problem Carolina has right now. But whether he’s the solution or not is the million-dollar question.
One that most already know the answer to.
Whether it’s Steve Wilks or someone else who gets the permanent head coaching gig, addressing the quarterback position as a matter of urgency is essential. Going down the draft route seems feasible in Carolina’s current flux, but moving forward with just Darnold and Matt Corral on the books is simply not an option.
If the Panthers decide to cut their losses with Darnold entirely, nobody would argue too much. But the signal-caller has at least provided enough positive film to potentially get another job elsewhere.
That might be as a backup or bridge quarterback at best. And with nothing on the line in Week 18 at the New Orleans Saints, Darnold is officially out of time to alter perceptions.