Ranking every single starting NFL quarterback based on their 2022 season
By Ryan Heckman
Ranking NFL quarterbacks based on 2022: 24. Sam Darnold, Panthers
It was an up-and-down year for the Carolina Panthers, who were within reach of a playoff spot for a while despite the quarterback position constantly being in question. Whether it was Baker Mayfield or P.J. Walker, the Panthers had no answer. They had also clearly been held back by now-fired head coach Matt Rhule.
The last six games of the season, though, were a different story. The Panthers played good football, for the most part, and it was thanks to a commitment to the run game and some better-than-expected play from Sam Darnold, now on his second team.
In 12 games last year, Darnold threw only nine touchdown passes to his 13 interceptions. His 2022 season, though, was a whole lot better. Finally, it seemed as though Darnold started to break out.
In six games to finish this season, Darnold threw for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. The Panthers very well could bring Darnold back as either a backup or bridge quarterback, depending on what they do in the draft. Carolina could end up being Darnold’s best-case scenario as a free agent, after beginning his career in an up-and-down manner.