This Sunday, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will face off against his former teammate Baker Mayfield. The matchup features both teams boasting a 3-1 record. It is a significant turn of events, especially considering the difficulties both quarterbacks faced during their time in Carolina.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold: A Difficult Past
Three years ago, Mayfield and Darnold were teammates with the Carolina Panthers. That season marked a challenging period for both quarterbacks. At a press conference recently, Mayfield was asked about their time in Carolina. He humorously questioned, “Reminisce on WHAT days?” highlighting the struggles they endured.
Quarterback Journeys
For Darnold, his stint in Carolina followed a disappointing career start with the New York Jets. The Panthers had invested significant draft capital to acquire him in 2021, yet his performance fell short of expectations. In an effort to improve, Carolina traded for Mayfield the following season, pairing the top two overall picks from the 2018 NFL Draft.
- Darnold’s Performance: He had a promising final stretch, leading the Panthers to four wins in six games. He recorded seven touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 92.6.
- Mayfield’s Struggles: In contrast, Mayfield posted a passer rating of only 74.4 during his time with the Panthers.
Ultimately, neither quarterback remained with Carolina the following season. The franchise opted to draft Bryce Young, their new franchise quarterback, leading to the release of both Darnold and Mayfield.
Reviving Careers
Mayfield briefly joined the Los Angeles Rams, where he found renewed success. Since then, he has led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs in both of his seasons. Currently, the Buccaneers are positioned first in the NFC South.
Darnold, on the other hand, signed with Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers before moving to Minnesota to play under Kevin O’Connell. He also led his team to the playoffs last year, showcasing how effective coaching can impact struggling quarterbacks.
Lessons Learned
Both Mayfield and Darnold have navigated through the adversities of their careers and come out stronger. Mayfield recently expressed his happiness for Darnold, emphasizing the bond they share despite their challenging past.
This case illustrates a critical lesson for NFL franchises: investing in the right coaching can revitalize a quarterback’s prospects. Observing their journeys reminds fans of the volatile nature of the quarterback position and the potential for redemption.
As both players prepare to meet this weekend, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup. The Seahawks and Buccaneers are not just competing for a win but also showcasing how perseverance can lead to second chances.
