WATCH: Jets coaches express extreme confidence in Sam Darnold's capabilities

The second-year quarterback is showing signs of growth and improvement this offseason

If the Jets are going to challenge for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC this season, promising quarterback Sam Darnold will need to elevate his game in Year 2.

Jets offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains is encouraged that the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Darnold can do just that. 

Loggains likes what he's seeing out of Darnold not just on the field but with the way he's becoming an extension of the coaching staff on the field. 

“I’ve been really impressed with him and with his ability to pick up what we’ve given him,” Loggains said. “Just the way he’s coming to work, and really the leadership skills that you’ve seen. Helping him to become another coach on this field has been impressive to this point.”

Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson couldn't contain his excitement about the progress Darnold is making this offseason.

“Excuse my French when I say this, but he’s a [expletive] dude,” Jefferson said. “He’s a dude with a [expletive] arm and he’s accurate. I haven’t been around a guy like that. It’s awesome to be around a guy like that. He’s a dude.”

Darnold commanded the utmost respect in the huddle from his teammates this spring.  

“When you walk into the building and you see that guy, everybody knows,” Jefferson said. “Players know players. The moment you watch him drop back you go he’s a real dude. We got a real dude in this building.”

For a player entering his second season, that's definitely high praise. 

The Jets selected Darnold with the 3rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold tallied 2,865 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his rookie season last year. 

With the strides Darnold is making and new pieces in running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Jamison Crowder, the Jets have the makings of an explosive offense that could push the franchise back into the postseason.