What were some major observations to take from Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance at the New Orleans Saints in Week 18?
While the result didn’t go Sam Darnold’s way in Week 17, he was not the biggest problem once again. His multiple turnovers throughout the clash needed some context attached, but throwing for 341 passing yards and three touchdowns was another big positive for the quarterback in a high-pressure situation.
Darnold had one final chance to impress those in power at the New Orleans Saints. The Carolina Panthers have nothing to play for other than pride, but the signal-caller is fighting to earn an extension or interest from elsewhere if he’s allowed to hit free agency.
The former USC star has generated some positive momentum since replacing Baker Mayfield as the starting signal-caller. Although Darnold struggled mightily, the Panthers pulled it out late to ensure Steve Wilks’ time as interim head coach ended on a high.
With that being said, here are four major observations from Darnold’s performance at The Caesars Superdome in Week 18.
Major Observation No. 1
Sam Darnold displayed good mobility
There weren’t many positives to take from Sam Darnold’s performance, in all honesty. However, his mobility out of the pocket was atop the list without question.
Darnold’s always had sneaky escapability from the pocket. Something he needed to use often as the Carolina Panthers’ wide receiving group couldn’t get open with much efficiency.
The rest of Darnold’s production was less impressive.
Sam Darnold’s turnovers almost cost the Carolina Panthers
After a three-turnover performance in Week 17 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, how Sam Darnold bounced back in his season finale would be telling. As it turned out, the same erratic production that’s blighted most of his five-year NFL career returned with a vengeance.
Darnold coughed up two interceptions at the New Orleans Saints. One came with a forced throw to D.J. Moore near the end zone and the other came very late in proceedings, which threatened to tip the scales against the Panthers before Andy Dalton fluffed his lines, too.
One could make an argument that the receivers should shoulder some blame. The offensive line was also without Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett through injuries suffered early in the contest, which took away Darnold’s consistent anchor across the protection that’s benefitted him greatly in recent weeks.
However, this was not a good performance from Darnold. The improved decision-making just wasn’t there this time and a passer rating of 2.8 is another glaring example of his lackluster effort.
The Carolina Panthers pulled it out of the bag late on, which stemmed from Darnold’s impressive throw to Terrace Marshall Jr. that brought them within field goal range. But the collective body of work from the man under center was his worst of 2022 by a considerable margin.
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.
Sam Darnold faces a waiting game
There is nothing more Sam Darnold can do in pursuit of convincing the Carolina Panthers to keep him around. Those in power need to make numerous key decisions before his future is decided one way or another, so it’s a nervous waiting game for the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 before his eventual fate is sealed.
This all starts with a new head coach and how he perceives Darnold’s recent progress.
Whether that’s Steve Wilks or someone else remains to be seen. But the Panthers are in desperate need of a long-term solution under center and based on his career to date, that doesn’t appear to be the USC product.
It would be a shock if the Panthers didn’t go after one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now that the Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall selection, a situation could open up where Carolina trades up for a king’s ransom if they are convinced of someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.
Darnold’s reprieve could arrive if the Panthers decide they need a bridge option in the short term. Especially considering Matt Corral missed his entire rookie campaign and remains something of an unknown quantity.
The gunslinger should be relatively pleased with how he fared when returning to the lineup. But the NFL is a business and the Panthers might never get a better chance to finally solve their complex riddle under center.
Only time will tell.