Can Sam Darnold beat out Josh McCown in training camp?

Training camp of the New York Jets will be one of the most talked about events of the summer, especially with positional battles for starting spots on the roster. Can rookie quarterback Sam Darnold step up and do enough to beat out Josh McCown to start?

The New York Jets are ready for what is likely to be one of the most talked about training camps in franchise history. For the first time in a very long time, they have a rookie player in the mix that has potential to finally be their future franchise quarterback for many years to come.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Jets also have other quarterbacks on the roster that each could bring something new to the table. Can Teddy Bridgewater return to form and play lights out football? Can Christian Hackenberg, who completely changed his throwing motion this offseason, come back ready to deliver? Can rookie quarterback Sam Darnold come into training camp and surprise many that he’s more than ready to start for the Jets come Week 1 of the regular season?

The Jets have already decided that as of right now and heading into training camp, veteran quarterback Josh McCown is the starter but have stressed that there will be an open competition. By the looks of the Jets quarterback situation, McCown will likely still be the starter heading into the regular season.

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The Jets aren’t going to rush Darnold one bit but also aren’t going to shelter him if he starts to play very well. Considering that Darnold has to work on his issues with timing, interceptions, and turnovers, means he’ll most likely have to wait until his number is eventually called. Expect to see McCown earn the spot since out of the entire positional group, he’s likely to be their best option to start the season with the most important position on the team accounted for.

McCown is coming off his best season yet as last year, he totaled 2,926 passing yards, 267 completions, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He’s a game manager, a leader among men, and brings a great locker room presence. While Darnold will likely get a chance to start for the Jets at some point this upcoming season, McCown will start and hold the fort until either he gets injured or simply can’t get the job done effectively.

For now and likely once training camp is over, expect to see McCown starting and Darnold earning backup duties behind him. Darnold needs just a bit more time to put everything together to the point where he can execute and lead this team without any issues or hiccups. There will be growing pains once Darnold eventually starts but expect to see McCown start the season for the Jets to pick up exactly where he left off from last season.

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