First impressions on Sam Darnold are incredible

Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold made an incredible first impression not only for the New York Jets but fans in attendance for their preseason home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

For months now, the New York Jets have been patiently waiting for this moment. The moment that rookie quarterback Sam Darnold suited up for the first time in a football game against a real opponent. Even though it’s just a meaningless preseason game, Darnold left some huge first impressions to the leadership regime and fans in attendance.

Darnold played just like everyone expected him to and then some. Perhaps it was the huge crowd pop he got the moment his number was called to come into the game and begin his transition to the pros. Perhaps it was his determination to prove that he can indeed be ready to start the regular season for the Jets under center. Maybe it was just a small glimpse into what could be a bright future for many years to come.

Boy, what a glimpse it was. Darnold went 13/18 in his passes looking very accurate as he zipped passes to receiving options while keeping those chains moving. Darnold even scored his first touchdown of the preseason as it looked like it could be a normal thing fans could be seeing on a daily basis.

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Of course, it’s just one game but at the end of the day, was a great one for Darnold to not only silence his critics but bring hope into the air that he will live up to the hype generated from the 2018 NFL Draft. Considered to be the top quarterback of this year’s class, Darnold proved it and then some.

Now, it’s just a matter of Darnold continuing this momentum. It’s just one of four preseason matchups this preseason and consistency is the name of the game.

If Darnold has any chance of dethroning veteran quarterback Josh McCown who is No. 1 on the depth chart and moving ahead of Teddy Bridgewater who is his backup, there is still a lot of work to be done.

For now, however, this is a great step forward in the right direction. One of which where Darnold, due to his strong performance in preseason Week 1, could potentially move up on the depth chart if he continues showcasing his above-average skillset. Get ready Jets fans, Darnold looks like the real deal and determined to continue making his case to start the regular season for the team.