New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is known by many as a man with few words who doesn't give praises to anyone on any given day. However, he did have some encouraging words for an unlikely player in New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold who has immensely struggled this season.
Belichick also referred to the playmaker as being ‘well-coached', per Boston Globe‘s Ben Volin.
His statements may come differently at Jets fans who have been stirring the pot all throughout the season as they wanted head coach Adam Gase to step down from his position. The tactician's struggles from the sidelines were evident as the Jets hold a 2-13 record through Week 16 of the season.
Similarly, Darnold hasn't been viewed by the Jets faithful as their quarterback of the future as he continues to underperform in the pocket for the team. In 11 games played this season, the USC product has only tallied 1,942 passing yards on 330 attempts and eight touchdowns with nine interceptions and 32 sacks.
Belichick's recent raving about Darnold may hint about his desires to lure him to Foxborough as he is set to become a free agent come 2021. Coincidentally, the Patriots are also in search of a quarterback after Cam Newton failed to impress this season which led them to miss out on the playoffs and the AFC East title for the first time in 11 years.
The potential pairing of Bill Belichick and Sam Darnold is an intriguing combination to look at, leading up to an offseason that will surely be an interesting sight to see for both sides.