Sam Darnold continues to impress Jeremy Bates

Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold continues to impress the coaching staff of the New York Jets, especially new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates.

Sam Darnold is doing very big things, and the rookie quarterback is making such a good impression on New York Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates. So good, that it’s been revealed that Bates will have a big say in the winner of the starting quarterback job that will be competed for in training camp.

Darnold, who is only 21 years of age, is responding very well to the ways of the Jets lifestyle and when given the full playbook, he does not disappoint. Everything Darnold is being taught, he is showing that he can indeed do what is expected of him and more.

Not only has Darnold done well during organized team activities and even mandatory minicamp, but he’s executing on plays and callouts. Bates has been impressed so far of Darnold to the point where if he has a strong enough training camp, will easily make his case to be the next starting quarterback of the Jets.

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In an article written by Rich Cimini of ESPN, here is what Bates has said about Darnold sneaking up to earn such a promotion as early as his rookie season:

“Are we giving him bits and pieces of the offense or are we throwing everything at him? We’re throwing everything at him,” Bates said Wednesday at minicamp. “If he can handle it, if he can prove that he’s the starter, then that will take place when the time comes.”

Although he will have two other quarterbacks that have been there and done that before, Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, it won’t be such an easy task for Darnold. He will need to consistently prove that he is more than capable of handling things and deliver results.

If Darnold needs more time, which is likely, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll sit out the entire season. Remember, Darnold is the future of the Jets and it’s important that when he’s 100 percent ready to take over, he earns that opportunity when it makes sense for the franchise to make such a quarterback switch.

It’s way too soon to say who will win over the coaches in June, but one thing can be taken from all of this: Darnold came to win. He may be young, but even he knows the importance of his role on this team, and he is going to be very essential to a winning culture should he thrive and exceed expectations his first year.

McCown isn’t getting any younger, and if Bridgewater cannot stay healthy, Darnold may have a ton of work (and opportunities) thrown his way early in his career. This may or may not be the case, however, Darnold may be faced with this possibility should the other two quarterbacks fail to stay healthy, and or get the job done consistently.

With a positive attitude so far from the rookie, the veteran mindset that we see glimpses of already from those above him on the depth chart, Darnold may be the next best thing If he consistently continues growing at the pace that he is right now. The sky is the limit as his potential is through the roof once he puts everything together and is ready to take over this team.

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All in all, Bates positive appraisal of Darnold is a great thing to have. It’s still early, however, this is something to hold onto and look forward to. Darnold came to win and could be the franchise quarterback the Jets have been looking to find for all these years.

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