NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2018 NFL Power Rankings: Mahomes impresses, Rodgers plays magician

By Randy Gurzi

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 09: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers avoids being sacked by Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of a game at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 09: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers avoids being sacked by Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of a game at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 33
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up prior to the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets warms up prior to the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

31. New York Jets (31) — Play on Monday Night Football vs. Lions

Coming off a 5-11 season, the New York Jets look to turn the page and start a new chapter. It’s been a long time since they had someone they believed in as the face of their franchise, but this year they believe they have exactly that. No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold joins them out of USC and he’s about to be the youngest player to start under center on opening day in NFL history.

At 21 years of age (and 97 days), he beats out Drew Bledsoe who was 203 days into his 21st year when he started for the New England Patriots in Week 1 of the 1993 NFL season. Darnold can’t fix all the issues that plague Gang Green, but it’s a solid start. They’re also doing the right thing playing him early because sitting a player doesn’t help them like some believe it does. The only way to improve is to get out there and actually play the game.

New York will struggle at times this season as Darnold learns the game. He’s raw and started just two seasons at USC, but has the traits you look for and doesn’t get rattled. The Jets will be better by season’s end as he improves and improves his rapport with Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson, but right now they’re still a young team learning to work together.

Home/NFL