Don’t Read Into Panthers’ Decision To Bench Sam Darnold Vs. Giants

Sam Darnold spent most of the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game on the Carolina Panthers’ bench. But his time as a starter isn’t over, according to head coach Matt Rhule.

Rhule told reporters after the Panthers’ 25-3 loss to the New York Giants that Darnold will remain the team’s starting quarterback moving forward, though he was pulled in favor of backup signal-caller P.J. Walker early in the final frame.

Darnold threw for 111 yards on 16-for-25 passing and one interception in the loss. Rhule said the decision to replace him under center came in an effort to provide a “spark” to a fledgling offense that accounted for 200 total yards.

Walker finished 3-of-14 for 33 yards.

Considering what the Panthers gave up to acquire Darnold via trade from the New York Jets, they haven’t exactly gotten as great of a return on their investment. It took a 2021 sixth-round pick and second- and fourth-rounders in 2022 to acquire the fallen Jets quarterback, then decided to pass on Justin Fields, who was still available when they drafted at No. 8.

Darnold entered Sunday with a 47.2 quarterback rating, which ranks 23rd in the league. The Panthers now are 3-4 on the year.