After a disappointing four-year start to his NFL career, Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold may be fading in the eyes and minds of many. But what about in the eyes and minds of the team itself?
In his latest edition of “Monday Morning Quarterback,” Sports Illustrated senior NFL reporter Albert Breer highlighted a glimmer of hope for the former third overall pick. He notes that as Carolina’s quarterback situation remains in flux, Darnold may have his chance to take the reins under center and ride with them into the 2022 campaign.
“New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo had hopes he could turn Sam Darnold around, and there’s reason for cautious optimism there—coming back from the weekend following the team’s first week of on-field work, Darnold made a big jump,” Breer writes. “Meanwhile, rookie Matt Corral picked up the offense nicely, coming from Lane Kiffin’s simplistic, RPO-heavy scheme at Ole Miss. He flashed competitiveness and a whip for a right arm, has had no issues through lighter install days and managed himself well through the heavier installs. Corral is lights-out after the snap, but still swimming mentally a little before the snap.”
The selection of Corral, of course, has helped take much of the attention away from the struggling veteran. Darnold’s abysmal 2021 did much of that job anyway, as he threw for 13 interceptions to just nine touchdowns over 12 outings.
Breer also noted that if neither Darnold nor Corral make the Panthers’ decision any easier as we move into the summer, there’s that ever-popular escape plan still awaiting them.
“So where does that leave the Panthers? The two operative questions, along those lines, then are whether Darnold can build enough belief in those around him after the way last year went, and how quickly Corral comes along,” Breer adds. “I don’t think Carolina has the answer to either one of those questions yet, and may not for a while, which leaves the door open for Baker Mayfield.”
So if general manager Scott Fitterer and Matt Rhule wanted flexibility and competition at the quarterback position, well, they’ll certainly have it.
