Ben McAdoo Accidentally Leaks Panthers' Quarterback Plans in Disaster Press Conference

Stability at the quarterback position is not exactly something the Carolina Panthers can hang their hat on. Rumors as to on who will start Week 1 have been flying all over the place, but offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo leaked that Sam Darnold is still the guy in a disastrous press conference.

Ben McAdoo asked if he looks at Sam Darnold as his starting quarterback didn't hesitate: "Yes.'' He later said he put his foot in his mouth naming a starter, saying, "That is something I shouldn't have said.''
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 19, 2022

Panthers News

McAdoo was asked by a reporter if he views Darnold as the team's starter and he answered yes with no hesitation. It was only a short time later that he backtracked that statement by saying "that was something I shouldn't have said." There's just no way of taking it back once it is already out there.

It's not exactly a surprising statement given Darnold and PJ Walker are the only QBs on the roster right now. However, backing Darnold so affirmatively just a week before the 2022 NFL Draft is noteworthy. Keep in mind head coach Matt Rhule has not been nearly as positive about Darnold.

The four-year pro led the Panthers to a 4-7 record in his 11 starts last season and threw only 9 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions. His inability to efficiently push the ball down the field (210.6 passing yards per game) even forced the team to bring back Cam Newton down the stretch.

McAdoo ended his press conference by saying he didn't come to Carolina to lose. He certainly has his work cut out for him on the offensive side of the ball, though. The Panthers averaged the third-fewest yards per game (298.9) and fourth-fewest points per game (17.9) in the NFL last season.

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