With The First Pick
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Jets must make 2020 prove it year for Darnold as 2021 QB class looms

By Timothy Rodriguez

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets pauses on the field during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets pauses on the field during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Jets QB Sam Darnold. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Jets QB Sam Darnold. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Career shortcomings

Sam Darnold’s career in New York has been less than stellar. He’s missed three games in both seasons as a Jet yet has still thrown 28 total interceptions. Darnold has also fumbled the ball 16 times in his career. Even after a near four point uptick in completion percentage, it is still just under 60% for his career.

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Darnold won four games as a starter in 2018 and followed that up with a 7-6 record in year two. However, do not let that record fool you. The Jets were unable to win games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins, who were a combined 0-15 when they played New York. Yes, the Jets were an improved team in 2019, but that was more about a drastically improved roster and great defense than it was about Darnold.

On offense, the Jets were a bad football team in 2019. Aside from a nice 24 point day against the Cowboys, the Jets could not move the ball. Even with players like Bell and the blazing Robby Anderson, Darnold just could not get the ball in the endzone. Darnold threw 19 touchdown passes in 2019. That number was less than players like Daniel Jones. Jones had 24 touchdowns in one less start than Darnold.

Can Sam Darnold make the excuse that his offensive line was holding him back? Absolutely, but so can Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, and Jared Goff. Could it be said that less than stellar coaching has contributed to his poor play? Yes, but Baker Mayfield has been subjected to Hue Jackson and Freddie Kitchens throughout his young career.

When you find yourself making more and more excuses for a young quarterback, it just means that he is not what he was supposed to be. Through two years, Darnold’s career looks more like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota than Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Another uninspiring season should cause New York to start imagining life after Darnold.

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