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New York Jets: 5 Players to watch vs. Colts in Week 6

By Michael Pallas

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Patmon #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to tackle Quincy Enunwa #81 of the New York Jets during the game on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Patmon #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts to tackle Quincy Enunwa #81 of the New York Jets during the game on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

2. Sam Darnold

He may only be 21 and is a rookie, but Sam Darnold needs to take the next step now that the quarter poll of his rookie season is over. Despite having a low completion percentage, the times he completed passes they were big ones.

Part of the reason he was successful through the air in the game against the Broncos was confidence. Alan Schechter of Empire Writes back pointed out that the goal of the West Coast Offense isn’t necessarily to take shots downfield, but rather take what the defense gives you on all three levels.

Part of the reason Darnold was checking down a lot may have been a combination of three things: the game plan, the lack of protection, and a lack of confidence. Darnold is 14th in the NFL in pass attempts and 16th in percentage of passes of 20 or more yards in the air (via Pro Football Focus — subscription required). That can’t all be on the play calling of Bates, though. Some of it has to be on other factors as well.

The Colts have allowed an adjusted completion percentage (PFF) of 88.1 percent on the season and a passer rating of 95.0. So, Darnold will have his chances to make plays. He just has to execute.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

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