New York Jets: Is simplicity the key to success for Sam Darnold?

With a report about how the team wants to coach Sam Darnold, the question needs to be asked: Should the New York Jets keep things simple for the rookie?

Did the New York Jets give Sam Darnold too much too soon? Is it time to scale things back a little and make them simpler for the rookie quarterback? Well, that depends on how they approach it.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson was on a recent episode of ESPN’s NFL Live and reported that there was some debate on whether or not the Jets are coaching Darnold right, and how a new approach could help him. This debate makes sense, as he has struggled in the last two weeks. However, how they approach it is key.

There were two key points. Let’s talk about the first one: scaling back the playbook. That gets a giant “No” in terms of if that should happen. There’s no need for offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to take some plays away, because there will be times where he needs some plays and other time he won’t. So, Darnold and Bates need to be prepared for using any play in the playbook at any time.

That said, the second point is interesting and certainly worth exploring. The current communication rules allow for coaches to speak to players with communication devices in their helmets (one quarterback and one defensive player) until there are 15 seconds remaining on the play clock. It is automatically turned off at that point.

So, the Jets are exploring the idea of a numbered system where Bates calls a number and the play is listed by that number on his wristband, rather than calling the entire play through the headset and having him relay the whole play. Presumably that would give him time to teach Darnold in games.

While the time is limited, that’s a good strategy. Any time you can have to teach is good, even if it’s limited. Sure, going to the sidelines and looking at the pictures and film is great, but being able to do it in real-time is better. Doing it real-time can help Darnold see the field in a whole new way and help shorten the learning curve.

Keeping things simple are good for Darnold, but not too simple. Helping him learn is the key aspect, and maybe it’ll translate into more wins. It comes down to a very simple, common phrase — less is more.