NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

New York Jets: Early 53-man roster, depth chart prediction 2018

By Michael Pallas

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 10
Next
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Sam Darnold of USC after he was picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Sam Darnold of USC after he was picked #3 overall by the New York Jets during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

Starter: Sam Darnold
Backup: Teddy Bridgewater
Third String: Josh McCown

Darnold may be a rookie, but he presents the Jets with the best chance to win in 2018. When the Jets ended up starting Bryce Petty, they saw what it was like to have a guy with a cannon but no accuracy. And between McCown and Ryan Fitzpatrick, they saw what it was like to have arm accurate quarterback with limited arm strength.

Darnold has an above average arm and accuracy. When you present the defense with that, they can’t stack the box, because they have to respect the arm strength, and that opens up the running game.

Having Darnold on the field give the Jets offense more options in how they can attack the defense. It gives them more options downfield. According to Pro Football Focus Elite, in 2017, the Jets only attempted 56 passes 20 or more yards in the air. That was fewer than all playoff teams except for the Titans.

McCown had a good completion percentage, but without the threat of downfield throws, it makes it easier to stop the run and prevents yards after the catch. Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson combined for 876 yards after the catch for the entire season.

In this scenario, McCown becomes the most expensive intern ever, as he gets ready for his next role in the NFL — assistant coach. Since Darnold presents the Jets with the best option, he will start.

Home/New York Jets