Sam Darnold has not looked like a quality NFL starting quarterback. He knows it.
Darnold has another nightmarish outing in the Jets’ 36-7 loss to the Colts Sunday. With the offense otherwise clicking a bit for the first time all season, the third-year quarterback threw three devastating interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes and one in the endzone.
“Obviously, I didn’t play well enough today,” Darnold said after the game, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “[I] didn’t execute well enough. The turnovers cost us big time.”
Darnold has not shown many signs of improvement this season, a frightening development, or lack thereof, for the Jets. In addition to the three turnovers, Darnold went 17-29 passing with 168 yards and one touchdown. The lone score, caught by Braxton Berrios, came after Darnold inexplicably escaped a collapsed pocket.
The play was a reminder as to how magical Darnold can be at times. But the interceptions outnumbered the magic and accentuated the most frustrating end of the Darnold spectrum. They also ruined any shot the Jets had of picking up their first win and gave credence to any thoughts they may have of potentially turning the page on the young quarterback this offseason.
Despite the 0-3 start, there is still time for Darnold to improve and change the narrative. He knows he has to be better moving forward.
“I just have to play consistent,” Darnold said. “I mean, I’m not playing consistent enough to play well in this league.”