Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold was benched early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 25-3 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
"Just felt like we needed somewhat of a spark,'' coach Matt Rhule said of the quarterback change.
The decision came four days after Rhule said he had "bought in'' on Darnold as his quarterback when asked about the possibilities of Carolina pursuing a trade for Houston's Deshaun Watson.
"I believe Sam is going to be a great quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, and I haven't done any work on anyone else,'' Rhule said Thursday on a conference call with Giants beat writers.
"Throwing on time, taking the open receiver, being patient, protecting the football, not throwing off his back foot,'' Rhule said of what has been different about Darnold the past four games.
"I've been on record,'' Rhule said.
Rhule said he never wants to embarrass any player, but just felt Darnold had reached the "tipping'' point where a change needed to happen.
Asked if he was embarrassed, Darnold said: "When you get to that point, getting pulled, I just internalize it.
Rhule doesn't expect Sunday's decision on Darnold will change how the Panthers approach the trade deadline on Nov.
League sources said the Panthers aren't currently pursuing Watson, with the Texans asking for at least three first-round picks for the former Clemson star
Rhule reiterated his focus is on getting Darnold ready for Atlanta next week