Like a lot of teams this year, the Carolina Panthers have had multiple different starting quarterbacks. The uncertainty within the position, as well as a lack of quality performance, resulted in their 5-10 lackluster season. As the season comes to a close, things are still a little cloudy as to who will lead this team going forward.
However, head coach Matt Rhule announced that Sam Darnold would take the snaps on Sunday. NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweeted the news Wednesday afternoon.
Panthers’ HC Matt Rhule named Sam Darnold as the starting QB for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2021
This comes as a surprise to some and a relief to others. It seems like Carolina was torn between Cam Newton and Darnold, since neither quarterback has been consistently exciting to watch.
Newton has taken snaps in every game for the Panthers since he rejoined the team ahead of Week 10. However, he doesn't have whatever it is that Rhule wants right now, which he made obvious in his Week 17 quarterback decision.
It's not secret that Newton has underperformed in his second stint with the Panthers. In six games, the quarterback has thrown four touchdown passes and five interceptions, only recording 684 passing yards.
Darnold hasn't been much better. He has thrown seven touchdown passes, 2,176 yards, and 11 interceptions in ten games. Despite glaringly poor statistics, Rhule hasn't been afraid to lean on Darnold. Just last week, he took over for Newton in their brutal loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will be interesting to see if Darnold plays the entire Week 17 game against the New Orleans Saints, or if Rhule gives Newton the nod at any point in the matchup.
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