There are young quarterbacks who are simply in need of a good, forward-thinking coaching staff to amplify their efforts. That’s been true for Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, who was no longer viewed as the Jets’ franchise quarterback following the second-overall pick of Zach Wilson, and was subsequently traded. Darnold is having his best season as a passer in 2021, but one thing offensive coordinator Joe Brady and head coach Matt Rhule have discovered is that the USC alum is quite the threat as a runner. Coming into Week 4 against the Cowboys, Darnold had already run 14 times for 17 yards and three touchdowns, and he added to those totals with a one-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter to tie things up in Dallas.
Touchdown Sam Darnold!!!
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— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 3, 2021
And here’s the thing about Darnold — he’s not just running sneaks. Check out this perfect option run against the Texans in Week 3!
That put Darnold ahead of running backs Chris Carson, Nick Chubb, Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry, and James Robinson, as well as quarterback Kyler Murray, for the league lead in rushing scores. At this rate, Darnold might have Cam Newton’s single-season franchise record for quarterback rushing touchdowns — 14 in 2011 — in his sights.