Sam Darnold, Quarterback
After joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Jameis Winston (2015) and Hall of Famer Brett Favre (1991) as the only quarterbacks to have their first pass intercepted and returned for a score, Darnold responded by completing 16 of his final 20 pass attempts for 198 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown pass was a 41-yard strike to wide receiver Robby Anderson late in the second quarter, and he added the 21-yard hookup with Enunwa in the third.
Thanks to his efforts, Darnold became the first quarterback to win his first start by 31 or more points since the New England Patriots’ Tom Brady in 2001. The 21 year old also helped the Jets set franchise records for points on the road and points in the third quarter of a game, while becoming the youngest quarterback to start a season opener since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
Consequently, Darnold gave Jets fans hope for the future. New York hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010, and while it’s still way too early to be talking about the postseason, there’s certainly reason to be excited if you’re a Jets fan.
A true franchise quarterback is capable of changing the entire trajectory of an organization.
And if Darnold continues to play at a high level going forward, the Jets could see their fortunes changing very soon.
Next Page: No. 2