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WATCH: Sam Darnold throws touchdown pass against the Steelers

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•08/27/21
watch-sam-darnold-throws-touchdown-pass-against-the-steelers
(Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire)

Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold seems to be enjoying his new home with the Carolina Panthers. Tonight, the former USC star threw a touchdown pass to his former teammate with the Jets, Robby Anderson.

Check out the highlight below, courtesy of PFF.

It was an 8-yard touchdown pass by Darnold.

Darnold put together an impressive performance for the Panthers against the Steelers, giving Panthers fans some hope with their new franchise quarterback. Check out his stats in the game below.

Darnold drawing rave reviews in camp

Sam Darnold was turning heads early on in training camp for the Panthers. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that Darnold had been “turning it on” and that one connection to watch is with Carolina tight end Dan Arnold.

“The other day, Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to tight end Dan Arnold,” Wolfe explained, “and he yells, ‘Darnold to Arnold, baby! Get used to seeing that.”

DJ Moore impressed by Darnold

Another person in training camp that has been impressed by Darnold is fourth year wideout D.J. Moore. “The first thing that stands out to me about Sam is his composure. Like, even if things get too hectic at practice, they make it hectic on him, he just stays calm, cool and collected like Sam is. So, over the time I’ve gotten to know him, he’s just been the same person.”

Moore is one of the NFL’s most explosive wideouts. The former Maryland standout has put together back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in the league, but he feels like he’s still not getting the respect he deserves.

He spoke with NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe after practice recently. “I always look at myself as a top-tier player in the league,” Moore said. “So, numbers really don’t matter, rankings don’t matter to me. I just go out there and do what’s best for the team. Having another 1,000 yards would be amazing so I’m gonna go strive for that.”

The 6-0, 210 pounder has game-breaking 4.42 speed in the open field; so it’s going to be exciting to watch him and Darnold connect.

Matt Rhule on Sam Darnold

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule had great things to say about Darnold in this interview with Sports Illustrated. He talked about Darnold’s progression. “I think he’s made a lot of really good decisions. He’s a grinder, he’s coachable. I’ve been nothing but pleased with Sam. I think when he does something that we don’t want and we tell him, right away it’s ‘got it’. 

The Panthers’ offense is absolutely loaded with weapons this year with running back Christian McCaffery, Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, and rookie Terrace Marshall, Jr.. Let’s not forget tight end Dan Arnold! There are weapons everywhere you look.

If Sam Darnold can continue to improve his connection with the Panthers’ pass catchers, there will be a lot for Carolina fans to smile about in 2021.