Atlanta Falcons hoping Carolina decides to stick with Sam Darnold

Despite having Marcus Mariota slated as their week-one starter the Atlanta Falcons may not have the worst quarterback in the NFC South. Carolina has continued to stick with Sam Darnold after failing to land one of the off-season’s top quarterbacks. While the team could still opt to draft a starter Atlanta and the rest of the NFC South have to hope Carolina decides to give Darnold one more year.

Sam has proven to be a draft bust thus far regressing over his three seasons with the Jets and struggling terribly with Carolina last season.  Darnold managed only 9-passing touchdowns while throwing 13-interceptions and missing a surprising amount of targets. While the Carolina offensive line deserves a large share of the blame Darnold isn’t the answer.

If Carolina opts to keep Darnold it gives Atlanta at least one division rival they will be able to compete with considering their quarterback will throw Carolina’s opponents into games. There is also the fact that if the Panthers decide not to draft a quarterback Atlanta will have a far better chance of landing Malik Willis or whoever they believe is this year’s top quarterback. With almost every team in front of Atlanta having an answer at the position if Carolina doesn’t draft a quarterback Atlanta will likely have their choice at the position.

Sam Darnold staying in Carolina as the starter gives the Falcons a team they are ahead of within the division. This considering Darnold starting will likely be followed by the Panthers finding a new coach and front office next off-season.

Darnold is 17-32 in his career throwing 54-touchdowns to 52-interceptions and surpassing 3,000-passing yards only once in his career. Darnold staying in Carolina is great for the Falcons and every other team in the division.

It is very evident at this point in his career that Darnold isn’t a starter in this league and isn’t capable of winning even with a talented roster. A fact that seems to be escaping the Panthers thus far this off-season.  Leaving a chance that there may be one team in the NFC South worse than the Falcons.