After a lot of debate over who should be the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, the team has made some moves this week by trading Teddy Bridgewater to the New Orleans Saints and putting their faith in rookie gunslinger, Sam Darnold.

Although Darnold seemed to be the inevitable choice for the Jets under center, the coaching staff took their time in making the decision to go with the USC product. Head coach Todd Bowles recently made a comment about Darnold's game which may have helped tilt the scales for the rookie quarterback in terms of landing the starting job, via Albert Greer of MMQB.

“He learns from his mistakes, that’s the biggest thing,” Bowles said from his office earlier this week. “He learns from his mistakes and he rarely makes the same mistake twice. Any rookie can only get better by playing, so we’re pleased with the progress he’s making week-by-week. That’s been exciting.”

Article Continues Below

Unlike most rookie quarterbacks, Darnold excels in many different areas and doesn't play like someone fresh out of the college game. The lack of mistakes and an ability not to repeat is quite the attribute for a rookie and may be the team's first step toward creating someone special in New York.

In Week 1, Darnold will be handed the reigns for the first time in his NFL career with the team heading on the road to face Matthew Stafford's Detroit Lions. The former Trojan won't make his debut in front of the Jets faithful until Week 2 when New York hosts the division rival Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.

More New York Jets News
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) signs an autograph for a fan before the game, Thursday, October 31, 2024, in East Rutherford.
Jets’ Sauce Gardner sends warning to opponents after offseason transformationPaolo Mariano ·
Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) celebrates after a touchdown reception during the second half against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jets fans will love Breece Hall’s ‘win now’ message heading into 2025Mike Gianakos ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, and cornerback Sauce Gardner on the field before the Jets take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason NFL game at MetLife Stadium.
Why Jets’ Sauce Gardner is fired up to face Aaron Rodgers Week 1Benedetto Vitale ·
Allen Lazard and Aaron Glenn pictured as the Jets most obvious trade candidate heading into training camp is wide receiver Allen Lazard.
1 obvious New York Jets trade candidate entering 2025 training campMike Gianakos ·
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
Breece Hall breaks down what Justin Fields brings to Jets offenseSteve Silverman ·
Jun 11, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Breece Hall gets real on transition from old coaching staff to Aaron GlennMike Gianakos ·