This is now Sam Darnold's team

[NAS]

One thing that has come perhaps too soon due to injury to CMC is that this has now de facto become Sam Darnold's team.  He is now the face of this offense and the team and he proved last night that he can lead through adversity.  He didn't try to do too much but steadily provided the calm and composure that was needed to close out a scrappy opponent.  

While I can't wait for CMC to return healthy, I'm excited to see how he handles this new found position going forward.

[NeederNodder]

We got some compelling matchups the weeks ahead so I can't wait to see how Darnold maneuvers.

[Khyber53]

This is one of those turning point games. And you could see it when he got pushed, pulled and squished into the endzone. That wide-eyed look Darnold had as he went through the compactor and came out the winner and alive.

[CarolinaLivin]

I think this is the Defense's team. Darnold has played great without everything being on him. Our defense has won games and he has been great at just playing steady and not trying to be a hero like in NY.

Not saying that if it's all on him he would revert back to that, but the plan in place has been working. Defense wins the game. Darnold doesn't turn the ball over to lose us the game. 

Edited September 24, 2021 by CarolinaLivin

[MechaZain]

Sam plays the way I hoped Teddy would. That's enough to make us scary.

[NAS]

1 minute ago, CarolinaLivin said:

I think this is the Defense's team. Darnold has played great without everything being on him. Our defense has won games and he has been great at just playing steady and not trying to be a hero like in NY.

Not saying that if it's all on him he would revert back to that, but the plan in place has been working. Defense wins the game. Darnold doesn't turn the ball over to lose us the game. 

Not taking anything away from the Defense but they're not the 2000 Ravens or the 1985 Bears.  Sam is not Trent Dilfer either thankfully.   It will take more than a game manager to win the games in today's NFL.  Sam will have to rally the troops like he did last night to build a lead that the defense can protect.  

[Oldschool Leroy]

Sam is doing a lot of "leader" type things that earn respect and our oline is giving him all the adversity and test he will ever need.

[Eazy-E]

4 minutes ago, NAS said:

Not taking anything away from the Defense but they're not the 2000 Ravens or the 1985 Bears.  Sam is not Trent Dilfer either thankfully.   It will take more than a game manager to win the games in today's NFL.  Sam will have to rally the troops like he did last night to build a lead that the defense can protect.  

Statistically they are currently better.

[DaveThePanther2008]

8 minutes ago, NAS said:

One thing that has come perhaps too soon due to injury to CMC is that this has now de facto become Sam Darnold's team.  He is now the face of this offense and the team and he proved last night that he can lead through adversity.  He didn't try to do too much but steadily provided the calm and composure that was needed to close out a scrappy opponent.  

While I can't wait for CMC to return healthy, I'm excited to see how he handles this new found position going forward.

The Texan defense was pretty stout and Darnold did a good job converting 3rd down even after being sacked a couple of times.  He had those two fumbles but that was more on the offensive line than on Darnold.   I also have to say he manueaver well in the pocket.  He stepped up, slide to the right and left and delivered strikes to his receivers.  This was after CMC was out.  His one toss to Hubbard before he pushed into the endzone was a bit off target but it had to have the zip so it wouldn't be intercepted.

I think he is a tough competitor and I'm happy with the trade. Well worth the gamble.

[BlackPanther21_]

Am I the only one starting to think that Robby isn't getting as many targets because he reminds Darnold of the Jets?

[Ghostface Chilla]

Really happy for Darnold! There aren't many fans out there that happen to be SC Trojans fans and Carolina Panther fans, so when Darnold got picked up by my team, I was pumped! 

Keep up the good work, Sam! As always, there's room for improvement but so far so good. Keep dialing in and show the critics that you belong here!

[Fox007]

9 minutes ago, NAS said:

Not taking anything away from the Defense but they're not the 2000 Ravens or the 1985 Bears.  Sam is not Trent Dilfer either thankfully.   It will take more than a game manager to win the games in today's NFL.  Sam will have to rally the troops like he did last night to build a lead that the defense can protect.  

With Luke I think we would be 

[CarolinaLivin]

10 minutes ago, NAS said:

Not taking anything away from the Defense but they're not the 2000 Ravens or the 1985 Bears.  Sam is not Trent Dilfer either thankfully.   It will take more than a game manager to win the games in today's NFL.  Sam will have to rally the troops like he did last night to build a lead that the defense can protect.  

And all pre-season we were saying that we aren't a playoff team. We were all clear that we are still a "rebuild team" with a chance to make the playoffs due to above average (or maybe higher) coaching and favorable matchups. 

But understand that i am not knocking Darnold. I like what I've seen from him. I just don't wanna see drastic changes in the plan.

Edited September 24, 2021 by CarolinaLivin

[WarPanthers89]

CMC being out hurts us, but I feel we can become a better team if Sam is able to perform well and continue to develop during his absence. The Horn injury absolutely sucks and is a much bigger loss in my opinion.