Sam Darnold‘s ninth consecutive suboptimal performance to begin the 2020 season has his future looking bleak no matter the team.
After a trip to Seattle that featured only 132 passing yards on 26 passes (5.1 per attempt) and at least three dropped interceptions, Sam Darnold has played nine games in 2020 and does not have a single standout performance to his name.
A highly promising young prospect coming out of both his 2018 rookie season and his 2019 season, Darnold is going through an extremely steep regression that cannot be explained solely by his coaching staff or supporting cast.
Darnold’s best positive traits – the ability to throw on the run, solid ball placement underneath, touch in the intermediate range – have all seemingly disappeared. Routine aspects of the quarterback position now look like a struggle for him. Areas of weakness have become even more extreme and shown up even more often.
It all begs the question: is there any chance left that Darnold can become a franchise quarterback in the NFL, even if he winds up in a tremendous situation? Will a change of scenery get him back on track, or are his issues unfixable?
Darnold was far from the only Jet who struggled in the Pacific Northwest. In a 40-3 stomping, just about everybody on the roster had themselves a rough day, even the almighty Braden Mann, who averaged under 40 yards per punt.
With the Jets charging forward on their way to winning the “Tank for Trevor” sweepstakes, many Jets fans are beginning to look forward to Week 17, when the Jets will take on a Patriots team that may have nothing to play for. If the Jets have not officially clinched the No. 1 pick by that point, and the Jaguars are still hovering over their backs just waiting for a chance to pounce, will Joe Douglas step in and force pro-tank moves to ensure his team finishes the job?
Ben Blessington and Michael Nania discuss the Seattle trouncing, Darnold’s future, and Douglas’ potential Week 17 decisions on the latest episode of Cool Your Jets.
