NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton and Assistant Secondary Coach Jerome Henderson of the New York Jets in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Giants Stadium, August 10, 2007 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jets defeated Falcons 31-16 in preseason. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold was selected by the New York Jets third overall in 2018 and was given first-team reps in organized team activities right away. In the three OTAs that were exposed to reporters, Darnold took 68 repetitions (17 with the first team), according to NJ.com. Teddy Bridgewater recorded 39 reps with the second team while Josh McCown recorded 49 with the first squad. MY RECENT VIDEOS
Darnold remarked, “I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I’m making strides.” “I understand that it’s a process and that it will take time. That’s something I know. Being able to comprehend the playbook in the manner that I do and the progress I am making excite me. Right now, I’m incredibly thrilled about my future. Strangely, Darnold began his playing career halfway between McCown and Bridgewater, the future and past of the Vikings, respectively. McCown is the quarterbacks coach for Minnesota and has 16 years of league experience. In 2014, the Vikings selected Bridgewater as their franchise quarterback with the 32nd overall pick. But in late August 2016, he suffered a non-contact knee dislocation, and a year later, they parted ways.
Six seasons later: Minnesota’s past and future. In Kevin O’Connell’s scheme, Darnold will replace Kirk Cousins unless J.J. McCarthy does well in camp. The Vikings have set up Darnold for success, unlike the Jets and Carolina Panthers. This is Minnesota’s greatest offensive line in a long time. Aaron Jones will be standing behind Darnold, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison out wide. Maybe T.J. Hockenson will get back in time to play with him again.
McCarthy will want to play for the Vikings as soon as he’s ready, though. That’s where Darnold finds himself. He is not referred to as a “bridge quarterback” by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. However, Darnold, 27, is an experienced player with a one-year contract who is a member of a squad that has the tenth overall pick in front of him. The Vikings do not want to play McCarthy until he is ready in order to avoid overexposing him. Since Mullens is more adept at running the offense, Nick Mullens will probably begin the season as Minnesota’s backup while McCarthy gets to know O’Connell’s scheme. If Darnold wins during the more difficult early part of the season and then turns things over to McCarthy when he’s ready for the field, then he will have done his job.
“It’s just the way things are, right?” On Tuesday, Darnold stated. “There are several industries where you may stay in company for thirty to forty years, but I believe the average tenure in the NFL is about three to four years. It is somewhat distinct. I feel like a veteran now that I’m in my seventh year, even though I’m still young. I enjoy helping the young players in the locker room, not just J.J., whenever they need anything.
Darnold should benefit in the long run by his desire to support his teammates, including McCarthy. Someone who is good in the locker room is more likely to be taken on by another team. Still, Darnold would need to perform right away like a franchise quarterback if the Vikings were to turn their corner on McCarthy. He was taken with the 10th overall pick after they traded up, and his rookie deal is reasonable. The Vikings will probably turn to McCarthy either during the bye week or before to a lighter stretch beginning in Week 9, even if Darnold performs well early in the season.
