Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Sam Darnold might not have a lot of things going for him in recent seasons, but that appears to have no negative effect on his confidence. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Darnold said that he still believes he can be one of the best QBs in the NFL.
“As long as I know what we’re doing, what the defense is doing, I’m confident I can be one of the best quarterbacks in the league,” Darnold told the media.
Darnold had a great start to the 2021 campaign before fizzling out as the season progressed. His struggles prompted the Panthers first to get involved in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes and then explore a trade for Cleveland Browns’ signal-caller Baker Mayfield. After neither option worked out, Carolina selected Matt Corral of Ole Miss in this year’s draft.
Still, Darnold is convinced that he can turn things around and finally reach the potential that got the New York Jets to take him third overall in 2018.
“Everyone, including myself, knows the situation,” he added. “But with that being said, it doesn’t change my mindset. I have a great attitude about myself going into every day.”
It is great to see Darnold being confident in his ability to overcome adversity. However, it is also safe to say that he is running out of time to make a name for himself in NFL. In his four years as a pro, he completed just 59.8% of his passes and threw 52 interceptions compared to 54 touchdowns. These and the rest of his numbers rank among the worst in the league during that period, so there is no doubt that the USC product is facing a big challenge if he wants to turn things around.
