Skip to main content
Derrius Guice tore ACL in preseason opener

Rookie QB Sam Darnold Throws 14-Yard Touchdown Pass in Jets Preseason Debut

The Sam Darnold era has gotten off to a smooth start in New York. 

If NFL Preseason action is any indication, the Jets could be set at quarterback for the first time in a while.

On Friday night, No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold looked sharp in his first appearance as a pro, going 9-11 for 74 yards and one touchdown in the first half against the Falcons. In his second offensive drive, Darnold tossed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Charles Johnson to complete a 64-yard drive. Behind Darnold and offseason acquisition Teddy Bridgewater, the Jets led Atlanta 17-0 at the half.

Darnold started 27 games for USC over two seasons before coming to the NFL. He threw for 26 touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore in 2017, adding 31 the year prior. 

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.