4 major observations from Sam Darnold’s performance at the Saints
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold needed to make a bigger impact
If Sam Darnold wanted to leave one final good impression before the Carolina Panthers embark on an important offseason, he failed to achieve this objective. It was clear from pretty early on that this wasn’t going to be the quarterback’s day and despite coming away victorious, that only told half the story.
The Panthers won in spite of Darnold, not because of him. He was inaccurate, gave up multiple interceptions, and just looked lost for large parts of the contest.
Yes, his clutch throw to Terrace Marshall Jr. played a part in Carolina’s final drive. However, finishing with a 30 percent completion success rate for 43 passing yards, no touchdowns, two picks, and a passer rating of just 2.8 raises more doubts about his long-term future.
Darnold would be the first to admit this wasn’t his best day at the office. It just so happened to come at the worst possible time for a signal-caller that was desperate to make his mark and enhance future prospects in Carolina or elsewhere.
What comes next for Darnold is murkier than ever. But considering how bleak his fortunes looked in training camp and when he went to injured/reserve, it’s a testament to his character that he even has a fighting chance of salvaging something from his NFL career at this juncture.