Sam Darnold focusing on what’s in front of him

In the second month of the season, things did not go quite so well for Darnold. That coincided with running back Christian McCaffrey’s first absence, and some of the protection issues which have been endemic this season. That stretch of games between the Week 5 loss to the Eagles (which included three picks) and the disastrous three-interception game against the Patriots was rough, and he took the blame for it.

Which is reasonable, because he did not play well. In the first four games, Darnold had a 67.8 completion percentage and a 95.4 passer rating. In his next five, he completed 48.8 percent of his passes and had a 46.6 passer rating.

“Nah, I mean, at the end of the day, those games I didn’t play good enough football to win,” Darnold said. “That was my biggest takeaway. So yeah, there’s nothing really else to say besides me not playing good enough.”

Of course, putting Darnold in the game means taking Cam Newton out of it, and both Rhule and Darnold praised the work Newton has done since he’s been here, and his professionalism.

Darnold didn’t know Newton before he arrived in November, but has been impressed with what he’s seen since.

“Cam’s a great guy, ultimate competitor, ultimate professional,” Darnold said. “The way that he works, I’ve learned so much from him since he’s come on and been with us this year. He’s the ultimate professional, ultimate competitor, but more than anything, he’s just a great dude. . . .

“But again, something I learned from being around (while injured), and experiencing Cam and the way he led and the way he went about preparing to get ready for Sunday. Mentally, physically, emotionally, he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. I think I learned a lot from him as well.”

Rhule said Newton was preparing to play, but didn’t make any firm declarations the way he had in the past, when he went into weeks intending to play two quarterbacks. All their planning is complicated by the fact that third quarterback P.J. Walker was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

Rhule described it as “tenuous across the board,” with so many players moving on and off the list, so plans are hard to make.