New York Jets: Sam Darnold faces crucial test in dress-rehearsal
New York Jets rookie Sam Darnold is battling for the starting quarterback job. He faces a critical test against the Giants in Preseason Week 3.
The New York Jets are giving rookie quarterback Sam Darnold every opportunity to win the starting job for 2018. He’s getting numerous reps with the first team in practice. He opened under center in New York’s second preseason game against the Washington Redskins last week. Darnold may even start this Friday night against the Giants in Week 3 of the preseason.
That would make an enormous amount of sense — as the third overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the Jets have a great deal invested in the Capistrano Beach, CA native. He could be their long-awaited franchise quarterback. He needs to be.
But has he won the gig? No, not yet. He’s been impressive so far, but Teddy Bridgewater has been even better. Darnold is 21-for-29 for 158 yards with one interception and one touchdown, while Bridgewater has completed 17-of-23 pass attempts for 212 yards with one interception and two touchdowns.
It’s close, very close. Both signal-callers have been effective in avoiding pressure behind New York’s depleted offensive line. They’ve gone through their progressions well. They’ve thrown effectively on the run and, for the most part, have displayed strong and accurate arms. That’s why Friday’s contest with the Giants is so critical.
It’s the third preseason game, which is the closest thing to a regular season NFL contest. Starters usually play the entire first half, if not into the third quarter. We realize that defensive coordinators are not going to show everything they are going to use during the regular season. They’ll hold back on certain blitz packages and defensive looks. However, this game will give whoever is under center their sternest test of the exhibition campaign.
I feel this is Darnold’s job to lose. If he performs at a high level again, I predict he will start the season-opener at Detroit. Even behind a porous offensive line. This is why the Jets traded all that draft capital to move up to number three to select him. They want him to be their franchise quarterback for the next decade.
However, if the USC product really struggles against the Giants, then all bets are off. Anything can happen. Head coach Todd Bowles is being coy. He won’t give any clues. Even if Bridgewater plays well again, he could be dangled as trade bait. He has a very reasonable contract (one year, $6 million) and Bridgewater has proven he is a starting caliber quarterback in the NFL. How nice would it be if Gang Green could secure a second- or third-round pick for him?
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Josh McCown may even wind up starting if Darnold regresses. Bowles has confidence in the 39-year old, 15-year veteran. Nothing would surprise me. With that being said, Darnold needs to pass this crucial test against Big Blue with flying colors. He must display that he has command of their offense and the huddle. He must show that he is a leader. If he does, then the Sam Darnold era will commence on Sept. 10 against the Lions. That’s really what the Jets are hoping for. Now it’s up to the rookie signal-caller to deliver.