USAT: Panthers Wire audio clip

USAT: Panthers Wire

Jan 22, 2022

Some, or likely many, Carolina Panthers fans may not be onboard with the team’s hiring of Ben McAdoo. But they may be in unison with their new offensive coordinator’s past thoughts on a certain player. - McAdoo watched the 2018 NFL draft from the sidelines. Just a handful of months after being dismissed from his post as the head coach of the New York Giants, the once-heralded offensive wiz gave his thoughts on that year’s incoming quarterback class to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. - As we’ve noted, McAdoo turned out to be pretty spot-on in regards to his ranking of the group—as he marked Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson as his top two prospects. But it was his evaluation of his No. 3 quarterback, Sam Darnold, that’s of particular interest now. - When speaking of the then New York Jets’ third overall pick, McAdoo said he wouldn’t have been comfortable taking Darnold due to his questionable mechanics and propensity for turnovers. - “I think the kid the Jets drafted has a lot of magic in his game,” McAdoo said. “I think he’s special. He’s obviously a talented guy, he can make plays with his feet. I’d just have a hard time drafting a guy in the first round where you don’t necessarily like the way he throws. - “He can overcome it, guys have, but that’s something that’s a challenge for me. I’m gonna be looking at that, trying to fix it, because it’s a fundamental flaw, and I believe in the fundamentals. The quarterback, his No. 1 job is to pass the football. If I don’t like the way he throws the ball, I have a hard time picking him, right?” - Darnold has displayed those very troubles over his four-year career. The University of Southern California product, while completing just under 60 percent of his throws, has totaled 54 passing touchdowns to 52 interceptions and 29 fumbles between his time in New York and Carolina. - He’s even recognized his own mechanical issues as well, having stated numerous times throughout the season that his footwork and rhythm need improving. Well, he’s not wrong. - And, apparently, neither was McAdoo. - Despite head coach Matt Rhule having hitched his wagon to Darnold, perhaps liking the 24-year-old’s game wasn’t a prerequisite in his search for a play-caller. Time will tell if McAdoo is here to help “fix” that investment or steer the organization in the direction of a new one. - - RelatedPanthers expected to hire Ben McAdoo as new offensive coordinator - - RelatedPanthers HC Matt Rhule doesn't commit to Sam Darnold as 2022 starter - - List - - What Cowboys coaches said about new Panthers OC Ben McAdoo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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.

F i l t e r   &   S o r t