Predicting exactly when Sam Darnold starts

With rookie quarterback Sam Darnold doing very well in training camp, when will he start for the New York Jets? Here’s an early prediction as to when No. 14 will be under center to begin his pro career.

The New York Jets have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season ever since they signed rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. While Darnold is making such a good impression on and off the field and looks very promising thus far, it’s safe to say he too has a lot to live up to.

With an aging quarterback in veteran Josh McCown and the injury-prone Teddy Bridgewater raising concern with his health status, this is Darnold’s opportunity to seize the moment. So far, Darnold has been doing well in Jets training camp and is in the thick of it in regards to the open quarterback situation.

Darnold may just be thrown into real game action sooner than many think. With the other two quarterbacks older and not healthy, Darnold may be forced to carry this team very early on. Both quarterbacks have quite some questions surrounding them, followed by some reasonable doubt regarding how much longer they can be of help to this team.

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If the Jets had a valuable backup which they do not, it would make sense to let Darnold sit back and learn before tossing him into a meaningful game so quickly. He will have a ton of expectations following him as he will be looked to to save them from another disasterous and stressful season. With not much experience on his side, Darnold will probably be seen very early to continue the rebuilding process.

Darnold has the skill-set and demeanor to thrive in the city that never sleeps but needs experience sooner rather than later. It would be a shame if the Jets sat Darnold all season long since he needs to see what the pros are all about.

When will Darnold’s number be called to step right into the starting lineup and take care of business? Your guess is as good as mine but at the end of the day, he will see playing time during the regular season. Perhaps after McCown holds the fort down for the first few weeks, it’ll be an easy transition to Darnold once he’s 100 percent ready to take over.

Expect to see Darnold be the new starting quarterback by Week 5. That is, of course, if he doesn’t beat out McCown and Bridgewater between now and the start of the regular season. If Darnold starts to tear it up in preseason action, it would be a no-brainer for the Jets to start him which would be a pleasant sight to start the season with. It’s Darnold’s moment to prove he is everything and then some as the next franchise quarterback of the Jets.