New York Jets: 3 Players to watch vs. Lions in Week 1

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) /

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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up before a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

1. Sam Darnold

Roger Goodell opened the proceedings at the 2018 NFL Draft by announcing that the Cleveland Browns had selected Baker Mayfield. Then, he followed it up with the announcement that the New York Giants would be taking Saquon Barkley. From that point on, every Jets fan was waiting for this day — Sam Darnold’s debut.

The questions were abound during OTAs, rookie minicamp, during the holdout, during camp and during preseason games. Will Darnold start Week 1 against the Lions? Well, even though it became evident that the answer would be yes, then Todd Bowles made it official.

Darnold will get his first taste of real NFL action and a real hostile crowd at Ford Field. When the clock ticks 7:00 p.m. ET on Sept. 10, the Jets and Lions will have the stage all to themselves, and Darnold will get to wield his magic or his flop.

Next. 2018 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1. dark

All eyes will be on the maestro. Every move he makes will be dissected with precision and we will get to see him on the national stage and see whether or not he can truly handle everything that comes with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. Only time will tell on what he will become, but you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

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