Why didn't Sam Darnold play against the Patriots?

[hepcat]

Considering Baker Mayfield has been named the Week 1 starter after not playing at all in their last preseason game, I have to wonder, why didn't Sam Darnold play?

Sure, sit McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Burns, your top guys. The Patriots are dirty, they try to hurt people, I get it. 

Seems like Baker Mayfield was already going to be the starter before the Patriots game even happened, so hold him out if he's your starter. 

Why didn't Darnold play then? He's a backup. He should play.

Are they concerned Darnold would look so bad he wouldn't have any trade value? He already doesn't have any trade value due to his ridiculous contract. 

Worried about him getting hurt? Well, anyone they trotted out there could get hurt. But again, he's a backup.

I just never understood why Rhule babied Sam Darnold so much. He's earned literally nothing in the NFL and gets treated like he's an established Pro Bowl level veteran by this coaching staff. Including last season when he barely played during the preseason as well. 

Nothing this coaching staff does ultimately makes sense. 

[TLGPanthersFan]

Gotta maintain that pointless illusion.

[Jackie Lee]

I agree, Baker should have gotten all the starter reps in joint practices and Sam should have played the first quarter. PJ getting like 60% of preseason reps so far has been a complete waste of time

[Carolina Cajun]

41 minutes ago, TLGPanthersFan said:

Gotta maintain that pointless illusion.

It was pointless and stupid, but I think the idea was to pump sam up some in hopes a caller came by offering something, anything of value fir sam.  With corral on IR, can't afford to move him so might as well make the move now.

[Icege]

58 minutes ago, Pakmeng said:

As stated by the coach and restated here.

Baker and Sam got their reps against the Pats in join practices. Like it or not. That is the reason.

That part.

[Khyber53]

There would have been absolutely nothing to gain by sending Darnold in, would there?

[Darknight]

Just like the huddle to try to make this an issue.

[Jackie Lee]

Did any other team rest their #2 QB this weekend?

[Fright]

You're asking for reasonable logic from the coaching staff of the Carolina Panthers... I thought you were a vet here hep?

[cookinbrak]

If there was 1/1billionth of a chance that somebody would eat some of Darnold's contract, they have to keep trying.

[TheCasillas]

6 minutes ago, Jackie Lee said:

Did any other team rest their #2 QB this weekend?

I believe the following teams did:
 

• Browns
• Cardinals

[joemac]

1 hour ago, hepcat said:

Considering Baker Mayfield has been named the Week 1 starter after not playing at all in their last preseason game, I have to wonder, why didn't Sam Darnold play?

Sure, sit McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Burns, your top guys. The Patriots are dirty, they try to hurt people, I get it. 

Seems like Baker Mayfield was already going to be the starter before the Patriots game even happened, so hold him out if he's your starter. 

Why didn't Darnold play then? He's a backup. He should play.

Are they concerned Darnold would look so bad he wouldn't have any trade value? He already doesn't have any trade value due to his ridiculous contract. 

Worried about him getting hurt? Well, anyone they trotted out there could get hurt. But again, he's a backup.

I just never understood why Rhule babied Sam Darnold so much. He's earned literally nothing in the NFL and gets treated like he's an established Pro Bowl level veteran by this coaching staff. Including last season when he barely played during the preseason as well. 

Nothing this coaching staff does ultimately makes sense. 

BB is Sam's daddy.  He completely owns him.  Likely didn't want Sam to get hurt, or damage his already fragile psyche.  Also, perhaps they are holding out hope that some team is desperate enough to make a trade for him?  Didn't want any more bad tape for Sam out there?

[CRA]

1 minute ago, TheCasillas said:

I believe the following teams did:
 

• Browns
• Cardinals

Jacoby is the starter though in reality given the suspension. 

[Ivan The Awesome]

20 minutes ago, Darknight said:

Just like the huddle to try to make this an issue.

Yeah, leave it to this fan base to make an issue about it. lol Like, who gives a fluck bro.