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Grading the NFL’s top rookie quarterbacks through four weeks

By Sayre Bedinger

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in action during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in action during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets drops back against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets drops back against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

Sam Darnold, New York Jets

Darnold was the only opening day starter for his team among this year’s rookie crop of quarterbacks, and he started off with the biggest possible bang.

The Jets were likely heavily favored to lose against the Detroit Lions in week one, a game that was played in front of a rowdy Detroit crowd.

Darnold and the Jets defense found a way to embarrass the Lions on their home turf, putting 48 points on the board and opened a lot of eyes in the process.

Darnold was quite effective in that game, completing over 76 percent of his passes with two touchdowns and an interception. The Jets were flying high after that game, but since then, it’s been a lot of tough sledding for Darnold.

The Jets haven’t scored 48 points in the three games since the first game of the season. Darnold’s statistical production has regressed considerably, so the Jets at this point are looking for signs of progress from their quarterback rather than hoping they can compete in and win games like they did in week one. They will take those if they can get them, but it’s not a requirement at this point.

Darnold has got to start completing a higher percentage of his passes, as he’s hovering around 49 percent over the past two games against the Jaguars and Browns, who have two pretty tough defenses.

It’s not going to get much easier this week with Darnold facing off against Von Miller and the Broncos.

Overall, Darnold has shown flashes of why the Jets believe he can be a franchise quarterback but as with any rookie, things appear to be coming at him very fast. He’s made some eye-opening plays but he’s definitely got a long way to go in terms of how quickly he processes things. We know he can make the throws and he’s got a great feel for the game, and right now he’s taking some lumps with some really valuable reps.

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