Time almost up for Sam Darnold
The Jets dropped to 0-11 on the season with a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. It was another tough loss for a team just trying to hold their house together long enough to make it through the season.
Quarterback Sam Darnold returned after missing the last two games with a shoulder injury. For the Jets, however, the results were familiar. They’re the 18th team in NFL history to lose their first 11 games of the season.
Darnold finished 16-for-27 against Miami for 197 yards. He threw two interceptions and zero touchdowns. It was the first of those two picks, a terrible throw in the third quarter, which summed up everything that’s gone wrong for the third-year quarterback in New York.
Trailing 13-3, Darnold on a third and 8 at the Miami 32-yard line threw an ill-advised pass intended for Jamison Crowder. The downfield pass, while Darnold rolling to the right, was picked off by Nik Needham.
Darnold continues to make rookie mistakes with the football, he’s three years into his career now. It’s unacceptable and, ultimately, will play a key role in deciding if he stays or goes after the season.
The Jets had multiple opportunities to capitalize on a strong effort from their defense to keep them in this game. But, again, poor decision making helped cost the Jets a chance to get in the win column.
With every loss, Darnold inches closer to the end of an unexpected audition to remain their franchise quarterback. He’s is on borrowed time in New York.
Denzel Mims – big-play potential on display
Mims finished with only four catches for 67 yards. The rookie averaged, however, 16.8 yards per catch. With the focus now on the future, Mims is showing potential to be a key piece in the foundation the Jets are building.
Quinnen Williams continues to open eyes with his play
The second-year defensive lineman is showing why he’s a foundational piece for the Jets.
Against Miami, Williams finished with 7 tackles, 3 solo tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble. He was repeatedly in the Miami backfield and made life difficult for veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Image: Steven Ryan | Credit: AP
