New York Jets: Sam Darnold has tools for solid rookie year
Whether fair or foul, Sam Darnold has received superstar hype. The New York Jets have given him enough to justify it with a solid rookie season.
Quarterbacks such as Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, and Russell Wilson have created unrealistic expectations for incoming rookies. Few first-year field generals are capable of leading their team to the playoffs, due in large part to the inevitable learning curve.
True as that may be, the New York Jets selected a quarterback whom many have high expectations for: Former USC Trojans star Sam Darnold.
Darnold may or may not lead the Jets to the playoffs in 2018, but he’s been equipped with the tools to produce a solid rookie season. That all begins with the quarterback competition that will test his work ethic and overall level of commitment.
Darnold should win the job over Teddy Bridgewater and Luke McCown, but he’ll have to earn the position—a great first step towards building a quarterback’s character.
Furthermore, Darnold will be complemented by an offense that can at least provide playmakers by committee. On the ground, Isaiah Crowell has run for 1,805 yards and 83 first downs over the course of the past two seasons.
Bilal Powell, meanwhile, ran for 1,494 yards between 2016 and 2017, and has accumulated 128 receptions since 2015.
Through the air, Jermaine Kearse is as reliable a wide receiver as one can find. He posted the eighth-lowest drop rate in the NFL in 2017, hauling in 65 of 68 catchable passes for 810 yards and five touchdowns—from Luke McCown and Bryce Petty, no less.
New York also added Terrelle Pryor Sr. this offseason, who experienced a down year in 2017, but exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in 2016.
There’s no guaranteeing that all of this will fall perfectly into place, but Darnold is joining a team that’s giving him enough to prove he can play. The playoffs are another conversation entirely, but they aren’t necessarily the measuring stick.
New York went 5-11 with subpar quarterback play in 2017, and did so while struggling on defense in ways that should be addressed.
Todd Bowles is a coach who has earned the respect of his players, which should mean Darnold can do the same. Bowles convinced his team to play hard during a losing season, and Darnold is the player whom the revered sideline general has invested in.
Darnold may not have Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson at his disposal, but the Jets have provided him with enough to at least establish his skill set.
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Whether or not the New York Jets make the playoffs, Sam Darnold should show fans what he’s made of in 2018.