New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold continues to be Sam Darnold, which means he isn’t concerned with the Trevor Lawrence talk.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ—Sam Darnold took the podium after a Thursday practice featured the New York Jets quarterback slinging it with the first team for the second-straight day.
By all accounts, he has looked good while attempting to return from a two-game absence thanks to an AC joint issue. Darnold’s presence has been a welcomed change for the offense. But if you think anything about the kid’s public demeanor has changed, think again.
When asked about the Trevor Lawrence rumors, Darnold reminded everybody why he’s the anti-Joe Namath off the field. Always sure to never ruffle feathers, the kid didn’t blink.
“Yeah, I mean, we’re just worried about getting a win,” Darnold told the media on a Zoom call. “We have to worry about this week and Buffalo. They’re a really good team, so we’re worried about this week.”
Darnold, 23, showcased his regularly-scheduled media poker face while speaking like a seasoned Derek Jeter—California style, at least.
The Lawrence-to-the-Jets rumors have heated up over the last few weeks thanks to the team’s dreadful 0-6 start. Why not? The Clemson National Championship quarterback has been rated No. 1 everywhere he’s been. From his No. 1 status as a senior at Cartersville High School in Georgia to college dominance, Lawrence is considered one of the greatest quarterback prospects of all-time.
The fact Joe Douglas didn’t draft Darnold is also a piece of the pie that fuels the conversation. Salary cap maneuverability also contributes greatly. (Selecting Lawrence and opening up a value-driven four-year contract window compared to a fourth year for Darnold skews the favorable choice.)
Despite these logical points, and despite the fact Darnold doesn’t have a Twitter account, the Jets signal-caller ensures that he keeps his eye on the worthwhile goal while waving away distractions.
“Yeah, I have social media; I’ve seen some of the things,” Darnold added. “We have a game to win this week, and that’s all we’re worried about.
“It’s out of my control,” Darnold said. “I’m here to do my best and help this team win games. That’s all I can do.”
New York welcomes in the Buffalo Bills to MetLife Stadium this week. While common knowledge would lead some to believe the incoming defense is a tough one, Sean McDermott‘s unit hasn’t really done the job in 2020.
The Bills currently rank 23rd in total defense (378.8 yards against per game) and 29th in DVOA (11.5%). Mekhi Becton and Denzel Mims are looking good for Sunday. If Mims plays, along with Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder, who’s a little banged up, the band will be back together (for the first time, at the very least). Darnold has a shot to do a little damage this Sunday.
First and foremost, it’s about themselves. Opponent type is important, but Darnold knows it starts from within, and that starts with his play.
“I don’t think I’ve played well enough to win; that’s just shooting it straight,” Darnold said. “We haven’t won any games, so obviously I haven’t played well enough.”
Sam Darnold and the historically-bad New York Jets will get a chance to change that this Sunday.
