‘He Will Have Success’ – Former Jets Assistant Outlines What Is Required For Sam Darnold To Succeed With Carolina Panthers

There’s been a lot of movement involving NFL quarterbacks this offseason. And recently Sam Darnold too joined a list of starters such as Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andy Dalton who have landed themselves in new cities for a new challenge.

Darnold was traded by the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers in return gave a sixth-rounder this year and a second and fourth-rounder in 2022.

This will see Sam Darnold become the Panthers new QB1. While Teddy Bridgewater remains on the Panthers roster, it’s expected that Darnold will play most if not all snaps, given he remains healthy.

But whether Sam Darnold can become a competent QB1 to take his side to the playoffs or not in a couple of years remains to be seen. But one former Jets assistant feels the player has the tools to excel in Carolina.

Sam Darnold showed signs of promise

The quarterback has been a mixed bunch during his time in New York. While Darnold showed flashes of brilliance, there were plenty of moments to make one doubt.

But one former New York Jets assistant feels that Darnold has the ability to excel in the league.

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“The kid can play… He is an alpha with the ability to make all of the throws,” said the former Jets offensive assistant coach while speaking to NFL.com.

“He is a hard worker who earns the respect of his teammates and he isn’t afraid of the stage. We probably put too much on his shoulders and he struggled with all of the responsibility at the line of scrimmage,” he said.

The assistant coach also talked about the 2019 season when he registered 19 touchdowns.

“When we scaled it back at the end of 2019, he flourished as a player and the offense took off,” he added.

Darnold needs a strong running game

The former Jets assistant said thus that Darnold can succeed only if the Panthers play to his strengths.

“If Darnold is put in an offense that is run-heavy with traditional play-action passes and bootlegs, he will have success,” said the former coach. Luckily enough for Darnold, Panthers have star running-back Christian McCaffrey is set to return in 2021.

“He can play, but he needs to be in an offense that matches his talent and ability. If Carolina plays to his strengths, he is good enough to win in this league.”

With the Panthers gambling on Darnold, do you feel the quarterback has what it takes to lead them back to a Super Bowl showdown?

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