USAT: Panthers Wire audio clip

USAT: Panthers Wire

Feb 18, 2022

Misery loves company, and the Carolina Panthers had plenty of misery in 2021. - Much of it, unfortunately, came from under center—where the team saw their offense struggle mightily under both Sam Darnold and Cam Newton. No matter how you dice it—with a midseason change at offensive coordinator, an abysmal situation along the line or the latter man’s limited time to install the system—almost nothing jived for the Panthers at the position this past season. - As a result, at least under the microscope Around The NFL editor Gregg Rosenthal, the duo didn’t rank out too highly in the year’s final “NFL QB Index.” In fact, they ranked out right next one another . . . way down the list. - “Cam can still run well, but not well enough to make up for an increasingly limited passing profile,” writes Rosenthal, who positioned the former MVP 41st amongst the NFL’s 62 quarterbacks to have played in 2021. “He was an emergency pickup, and his only saving grace was that he played a bit better than the guy the Panthers gave up major picks and money for who practiced with the team all offseason.” - Then, in at No. 42, was “the guy the Panthers gave up major picks and money for.” Elite segue, Gregg. - “While these rankings aren’t a science, a quarterback’s average start is a guiding principle,” Rosenthal adds on Darnold. “Some weight is given to players who start more games, but there’s just no question that Darnold’s average 2021 start was below the level of backups like Trevor Siemian, Geno Smith and Andy Dalton. Darnold’s struggles with pressure and going through reads have only grown worse during his time as a pro.” - Those lingering flaws from the 2018 third overall pick were, indeed, quite evident. Darnold’s overall lack of poise, blind reliance on arm strength and—most notably—poor footwork resulted in another miserable campaign where he totaled more interceptions (13) than games played (12). - Newton—while much more of a calming, confident and flat out legitimate presence on the unit—wasn’t all too consistent either. Even though he did provide a spark to the ground game, having rushed for five touchdowns and 4.9 yards per carry over eight appearances, he finished on a 54.8-percent completion clip with five picks to four passing scores. - If we may speak on behalf of the Panthers faithful, we’ve probably seen all we need to see out of Darnold—and head coach Matt Rhule may feel that way, too. But, if all other options this offseason fail, perhaps another unlikely reunion with Newton (and an adequate amount of time to gel with the offense) could help bump him up these rankings come 2022. - - RelatedCam Newton one of NFL's most unfazed QBs over the past decadeNew Panthers OC Ben McAdoo wasn't high on Sam Darnold in 2018 - - List - - Panthers' 2022 unrestricted free agents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Panthers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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