New York Jets: Sam Darnold’s mentality makes him viable Week 1 starter
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is already showing the poise of a veteran and may just be ready, from a mental standpoint, to handle the NFL.
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is young. Darnold was one of the youngest players selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Some will say that, combined with limited college experience, means he definitely needs time to sit and learn.
He’s a rookie, so we should expect mistakes from Darnold. He will misread defenses, throw interceptions, force the ball instead of throwing it away, etc. It’s not about the mistake he makes, though. Rather, it’s about how he responds to the mistakes.
It’s only been two practices in training camp, but his teammates already marvel at his ability to bounce back from mistakes. Darnold is also showing his ability to learn and apply what he learns on the field. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Teddy Bridgewater said just as much.
"Bridgewater said he has been “amazed” by Darnold’s ability to take what he learns in the classroom and execute it on the field."
In fact, here’s what wide receiver Terrelle Pryor said about Darnold’s poise, also via ESPN’s Cimini:
"“Nothing bothers him. He’s a water-off-a-duck’s-back type of guy. We’ve got something special here.”"
If he is this poised, maybe he’s mature beyond his years and ready to start immediately. Also, if he’s already putting into practice what he’s learning in the meetings, then he’s clearly grasping the playbook quicker than many experts would imagine possible.
Next. 20 Best Fantasy Football Team Names of 2018. dark
If that’s the case, and it’s not just jumping the gun too early, and he progresses at this pace, then the Jets will have no choice but to let him take his lumps and start Week 1 in Detroit. By all accounts, he seems ready to at least make his preseason debut come Aug. 10. When he does that, we will be able to judge for ourselves. That said, he’s on the right path, for now, to starting Week 1.