Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold throws the ball during the first half in the game against the Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 19 in Charlotte, N.C. Credit: Getty Images/Grant Halverson
Sam Darnold may not be carrying a teammate’s helmet and shoulder pads off the practice field. And he’s not singing the USC fight song in the cafeteria.
But in just about every other way, Matt Rhule is treating his quarterback as if this is his first NFL season.
"The way we’re approaching Sam is like he’s a rookie quarterback," the Panthers’ second-year coach said on Thursday.