Sam Darnold’s NFL journey hasn’t been a easy experience, particularly throughout his time with the New York Jets.
Like many younger quarterbacks, he confronted an ideal storm of challenges that made success elusive.
Accidents, each to himself and key teammates, coupled with missed draft picks and underwhelming free agent signings by the group, all contributed to his struggles.
Add questionable teaching to the combination, and it’s no surprise Darnold’s win price as a starter in New York landed at a mere 34.2 p.c.
What’s refreshing, although, is Darnold’s perspective about his time within the Massive Apple. As a substitute of pointing fingers, he’s taking the excessive street coming into the Week 5 matchup between his Minnesota Vikings and the Jets in London.
“I think I had a lot of opportunities in New York. I always felt like I could have played better there,” Darnold stated, by way of Kevin Seifert of ESPN.
Sam Darnold, requested by @markcraignfl if he thought the Jets failed him throughout his 3 seasons with the staff: “No. I think I had a lot of opportunities in New York. I always felt like I could have played better there.”
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 2, 2024
Darnold acknowledges his half within the Jets’ struggles whereas he was there, recognizing that as a younger participant discovering his footing within the NFL, he contributed to the shortage of success.
In hindsight, a yr or two on the sidelines may need benefited Darnold greater than being thrust into the beginning function as a rookie.
However that’s all prior to now now, as Darnold appears to have discovered his groove with the Vikings this season.
His Week 4 efficiency towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers was significantly spectacular, finishing 20 of 28 passes for 275 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell seems to have discovered the fitting stability, retaining Darnold on monitor with out overwhelming him.
The method is paying dividends. Darnold isn’t forcing performs, and followers are loving what they’re seeing with Minnesota off to a shocking 4-0 begin.
