New York Jets: Sam Darnold clearly ready to be a starting QB

Even though it was only one preseason game, it’s clear that New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is ready for the spotlight…

It’s important not to overreact to a single preseason game, but the New York Jets aren’t likely to delay making Sam Darnold their starting quarterback for too long after what he showed them on Friday night.

Darnold was not going up against the best defense in the NFL by any means, and they were backup players at that, but the way he orchestrated the offense was a clear indicator of just how mature he is as a player at such a young age.

Here are all of his throws from the Jets’ preseason opener…

The Jets traded a lot of picks to move up to the number three overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and they didn’t even know that Sam Darnold would be available to them.

For once, the Jets appear to have a gameplan at the quarterback position, and Darnold has to be at the forefront.

Right now, the Jets are in an enviable position at quarterback for the first time in a very, very long time.

Darnold has been progressing well all offseason and there was no better evidence of that progression than in the team’s preseason opener.

As with any preseason game for a rookie, it wasn’t flawless, but Darnold looked like an experienced pro operating the Jets’ offense.

At this point, what reasons would the Jets have for not playing Darnold week one?

They are going to be in a very interesting situation with the guy expected to be the starter going into the 2018 season, Josh McCown.

McCown was leading the charge in cheering on Darnold as he shredded the Falcons’ backups on defense, but Darnold wasn’t the only quarterback for the Jets who played well.

Teddy Bridgewater, who is playing for the first time since a major knee injury he suffered two years ago, looked really good and has also been drawing rave reviews out of Jets camp.

But the team invested the most in Darnold, and the only reason to keep him on the sidelines to start his NFL career would be if he showed significant signs of not being ready mentally.

He couldn’t have looked more ready in the team’s first preseason game.

Darnold was making the right reads, going through his progressions, working the pocket, making throws with accuracy, and utilizing his legs at the right time.

He looked like teams dream a top pick should look when they first take the field, even when the expectation is that they could — or should be allowed to — struggle.

Darnold was fantastic in the Jets’ preseason opener, and at this point, it would be a shock if he’s not the opening day starter for them.