Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield faced challenges in Carolina, but now they thrive with new teams in the NFL playoffs
Fast forward to 2024, and both players are thriving elsewhere. Darnold is leading the Minnesota Vikings to a great season, while Mayfield has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs. It’s wild to think about how they struggled in Carolina but are now top performers.
Darnold and Mayfield had their ups and downs with the Panthers. Darnold had a rough time, finishing with a poor record, while Mayfield didn’t fare much better. So, what went wrong? Many insiders point to coaching issues, especially a lack of creativity in the offensive game plan.
One source mentioned that the environment just wasn’t right for success, no matter how talented the players were. The coaching staff didn’t maximize their potential, and the relationship between the head coach and the quarterbacks never really clicked.
Mayfield, in particular, was often stuck in a stagnant pocket, which didn’t play to his strengths. When asked about the situation, former coach Matt Rhule acknowledged that he always believed in both players’ talents, even if things didn’t pan out in Carolina.
Darnold and Mayfield have been linked since the 2018 draft, and their paths crossed again in Carolina. Darnold was brought in first, but after a rocky start, the Panthers decided to bring in Mayfield for competition. They both pushed each other in practice, but ultimately, the team struggled.
Rhule’s decision to start Mayfield in Week 1 didn’t pay off. The offense never really clicked, and after a rough start to the season, Rhule was let go. The Panthers then turned to interim coach Steve Wilks, who didn’t utilize Mayfield much.
After a disappointing tenure, both quarterbacks moved on. Darnold found a new home in Minnesota, while Mayfield joined the Rams and then the Buccaneers, where he’s had a resurgence. It’s clear that both players have found their rhythm elsewhere, proving that sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to succeed.
