Carolina Panthers: Matt Rhule sends clear message to QB Sam Darnold over 'careless' play

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule appears not to have the highest of expectations of quarterback Sam Darnold ahead of this season. 

It has certainly been some time since the Carolina Panthers have been stable at the starting quarterback spot, not since Cam Newton’s prime years when they were challenging for honours in the NFC South.

2018 was the last season that saw Newton take the majority of snaps, as things began to untangle. 2019 saw them try three men at the position, with Newton, Kyle Allen and Will Grier all getting a chance to start. 

Following Newton’s departure ahead of the 2020 season, Teddy Bridgewater started 15 games in 2020, but after leading them to a 5-10 record was deemed not fit for service and was traded away, whilst in 2021 the duties were shared between Sam Darnold, the returning Newton as well as P.J Walker. 

This upcoming season could have been the chance for them to be consistent once again, but after drafting Matt Corrall with the 94th pick in this year’s NFL Draft, questions are there again as to who will be their man going forward. Will it be Darnold or will the rookie be the man to get them back toward the top of the pile?

If it is to be Darnold, then he’s going to have to perform better than he has been in his first dew seasons in the NFL, having been taken with the 3rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

In his 49 NFL starts so far, he’s put together a losing record of 17-32 and his touchdown to interception number isn’t exactly stellar as he has 54 touchdowns and 52 interceptions to go along with 12 fumbles, and unsurprisingly, it’s the interceptions that Matt Rhule appears to have a problem with.

A better look at Robby Anderson exchanging words with Sam Darnold after