Darnold Understands Which Throws Can Beat Buffalo

In crafting an idea on what Sam Darnold must do to have a big game, we can learn a lot from what he’s done in past meetings. Last season, the Jets opened the season with a 17-16 loss to the Bills, but Adam Gase, for all his faults, called a solid gameplan.

The rave on Tre’Davious White wasn’t quite to the level where it is now, but the Jets seemed to know it wouldn’t be wise to pick on White, or the likes of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer and their two-deep safety shell. Or, for that matter, test Buffalo’s front four. 

The Jets’ offensive line saw more bodies than a mortician last year. That lack of continuity made it easy to excuse the idea of not turning to long-developing, downfield plays. Darnold kept the ball underneath, and allowed his playmakers to pick up yards after the catch. It’s telling that his No. 1 receiver, Jamison Crowder, caught 14 balls, and didn’t even get 100 yards.

In essence, expecting Sam Darnold to have a big game means you need to define “big game.” For three quarters, the quick, conservative dink-and-dunk philosophy worked; the Bills had a 13-point lead with ten minutes to go. Darnold kept the sticks short, and guided the Bills to a 50 percent third-down completion rate.

The Bills got better, adding Josh Norman to their elite secondary. For that reason, it’s wise to expect a similar gameplan. Darnold should rack up completions — 25 or so, contribute modest yardage, and avoid turnovers. The baseline for gaudy numbers will be tough, but a few breaks could get him there.