NY Jets: Adam Gase takes blame for Sam Darnold’s regression

NY Jets’ head coach Adam Gase took blame for Sam Darnold’s regression.

NY Jets‘ head coach Adam Gase has garnered a reputation for refusing to take accountability throughout his tenure in New York. But on Thursday, he flipped the script on that narrative.

Gase has worked hand-in-hand with quarterback Sam Darnold since he was hired back in 2019. In many ways, he was brought in to accelerate the development of the man many believed to be the future face of the franchise.

Evidently, that plan hasn’t gone as expected. And Gase finally took part of the blame for Darnold’s struggles.

When speaking to reporters on Thursday, Gase admitted that he has failed to develop Darnold saying “I came here to help him, help him develop his career, and we haven’t been able to do that.”

To most, this is an obvious statement that has been known for quite some time. Instead of progressing under Gase, Darnold has quite frankly regressed and is likely playing out his final five-game stretch with the organization.

But while they may seem obvious, these comments are notable.

Gase has always had kind words to say about Darnold’s development to this point. Despite the 23-years-old’s struggles this season, Gase has remained optimistic about Darnold’s future.

But on Thursday, he spoke with a more somber tone.

Speaking like a man who knows his future has already been sealed, Gase spoke a little more honestly. He admitted that Darnold hasn’t developed and he took the blame for that.

“We need to do things well around him, but at the same time, it’s on me to get him to play better than what he’s played. I haven’t done a good enough job.”

Sam Darnold, Adam Gase, and the NY Jets have all struggled in 2020

Darnold has battled a shoulder injury in 2020, but even when on the field, he’s looked like a shell of his once-promising self. The former USC star has thrown just three touchdowns as compared to eight interceptions and is 0-7 as a starter this year.

He’s completing under 59 percent of his passes and is on track for a career-worst 5.7 yards per attempt. His 54.7 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 38th out of 39 qualified quarterbacks — Washington’s Dwayne Haskins is the only player with a worse grade.

It seems rather obvious that Darnold won’t be back with the Jets in 2021. Almost as obvious as the fact that Gase won’t return either.

Gase and Darnold will play out the remaining five games of the season before their disappointing Jets careers likely come to an end.

In a way, that’s fitting. But at the same time, you can’t help but feel for Darnold — a player who once brought so much optimism and positivity to a fanbase that has almost universally adored him.

The NFL isn’t fair though. Life isn’t fair. And Sam Darnold was forced to learn that lesson the hard way.