Throughout the first couple of weeks of the preseason, the New York Jets have given rookie quarterback Sam Darnold ample playing time on the field to showcase what he brings to the table under center for the franchise this upcoming season.
This looks like it will see him get more extended playing time on Friday night against the New York Giants as he's expected to play at least half in the game, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.
Expect #Jets QB Sam Darnold to start tonight against the #Giants for at least a half, similar to what NYJ did w/ QB Christian Hackenberg in the 2nd & 3rd preseason games last yr. Teddy Bridgewater’s work will flow from there. All 3 QBs are still in contention to start, I’m told.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 24, 2018
The Jets are giving Darnold playing of playing time on the field in order to allow him to make a strong case for the starting job this upcoming season as the team has had an open competition for that spot. This also follows suit to the coaching staff's game plan of giving the 21-year-old every opportunity to prove that he deserves to be the starter for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.
Darnold has had his fair share of ups and downs in his brief time on the field as he has completed 21 of 29 passes for 158 yards with a touchdown and interception while being sacked three times. He has shown to have much poise in the pocket while displaying much command of the offense that is reminiscent of a veteran quarterback. However, he had his bumps in the road that have come with him being a rookie in the league that saw him throw an interception last week against the Washington Redskins when he attempted to throw a pass in a tight window in traffic that was picked off.
He will have a chance to show that he has learned from that previous mistake with a strong outing on Friday night against the Giants. At the same time, it is also another chance for Teddy Bridgewater to build on his case to be the starter with the strong preseason he is having as he completed 17 of 23 passes for 212 yards with a touchdown and interception. Bridgewater looks to be physically past the devastating knee injury that had nearly cost him his NFL career. This has all shaped up to be a critical preseason game that could be telling of where their quarterback competition for the starting job is headed in the weeks prior the season opener.
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