NY Jets: Ex-NFL quarterback thinks Sam Darnold ‘can be a star’

Ex-NFL quarterback Brady Quinn believes that NY Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold “can be a star.”

NY Jets‘ quarterback Sam Darnold has had a rollercoaster of an NFL career thus far. From an awful supporting cast to a bout with mononucleosis to experiencing a meltdown of sorts on national television, Darnold hasn’t had the easiest first two years in the league.

But through it all, he’s flashed the potential to be one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Despite all of the hardships that he’s faced, Darnold has persevered and managed to improve every step of the way.

And for that reason, many are still very optimistic about his future. One such individual is former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn who had some complimentary words for the young signal-caller.

When speaking to CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, Quinn proclaimed that Darnold “can be a star” and that he “needs stability around him” to reach his full potential.

Quinn cited Darnold’s strong second-half performance following his disastrous outing against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Through his first three games, Darnold looked a little lost with the Patriots game the breaking point.

But following that game, Darnold went on to average over 40 yards per game more, he upped his completion percentage from 60 to 63, and threw double the number of touchdowns as he did interceptions.

That Patriots game served as motivation for Darnold as, despite a rough showing in Jacksonville the following week, he went on to play the best football of his career down the stretch.

NY Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold has improved despite his terrible situation.

In spite of a bottom-two offensive line, a bottom-five receiver corps, and perhaps the worst offensive coaching staff in the league, Darnold played really well down the stretch and somehow managed to finish with a winning record as a starter.

Fortunately, the Jets brought in some help for Darnold in the offseason adding Mekhi Becton and Denzel Mims in the first two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. On paper, the Jets offense looks improved despite the fact that there are still a few noticeable holes.

There’s no question that Darnold has the ability to become a star as Quinn said. But it will take a combination of an improved supporting cast, a better effort from his coaching staff, and some important strides of his own to reach his potential.

Perhaps no Jets player is under more pressure to perform in 2020 than Darnold. Here’s to hoping that he gets a little help this time around.