Nov 7, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass as New England Patriots outside linebacker Matt Judon (9) pursues during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has said that if the team is going to have a good 2022 season, it starts with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold got off to a hot start last year before being replaced by former Carolina starter Cam Newton. With Newton gone, the team once again looks to Darnold, for now, and Rhule says the QB has been impressive so far in OTAs.

“I thought Sam was outstanding today,” Rhule told reporters on Wednesday. “Probably his best practice since he’s been here.”

Rhule went on to say that Darnold is throwing the ball on time, hitting good deep balls, and minimizing mistakes, all areas where the Panthers want to see growth from Darnold.

The thought among some NFL experts is that the reason why Darnold, who was previously with the New York Jets, is still on the team is because of his nearly-$20 million salary, which he will receive whether he is on the roster or not.

So rather than take another hit by benching or cutting him, the Panthers are apparently going to roll with Darnold as their starting quarterback, at least for the time being.

The Panthers picked Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in this year’s NFL Draft and they have Newton waiting in the wings in case Darnold doesn’t improve this season.

{ProFootballTalk}

About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.