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What does it really mean?
People so often buy into comments that are politically expedient from players and coaches.
Like Pete Carroll raving about Sam Darnold before the Jets-Seahawks game.
“I think he’s really talented, without question,” said Carroll. “He’s got great throws in him. He’s a real quarterback. He sees things. He makes big plays and big throws in difficult situations because of his talent. It’s just a matter of time. Sam’s going to be a really big-time QB. He’s thrown a lot of balls in three years. He’s had a lot of experience. It will pay off in the long run.”
How would he know that is will pay off in the long run? Does he have a crystal ball? Carroll, and nobody else, knows if this will pay off. If the Jets knew this is going to pay off down the road, their decision after this season about Darnold wouldn’t be challenging.
And how did Carroll’s rave reviews look after his Seahawks beat the Jets 40-3?
It could have been worse if some picks were dropped, including one right in the hands of Jamal Adams.
I don’t mean to pick on Carroll, but just trying to point out how ridiculous it is for fans or reporters to make a big deal about comments like this?
What do you expect a coach to say before he faces an opposing QB?
You hear Bill Belichick over the years talking about the Jets before games, and you would think he was talking about the ’85 Bears.
This stuff rarely means everything. It’s coach-speak before a game.
Darnold is a fine young man, but not sure if Pete’s vision that he is going to be “big-time QB” is going to manifest itself.
He struggled reading defenses in college and now the NFL. Is that going to somehow change? Maybe, but probably unlikely.
Think about what happened Sunday in Seattle.
Darnold threw for 123 yards, and no touchdowns, against a pass defense that has been giving up passing yards and points at an historic pace this season.
Look, I didn’t expect the Jets to beat Seattle because of how bad the Jets’ pass defense is, but to not score a touchdown against that defense, is unacceptable, especially with their top defensive line pass rusher out – Carlos Dunlap.
You can rip the kicker for three missed field goals, but why do the Jets so often have to settle for field goals? And if he had made those three kicks, perhaps they lose 40-12, or something like that.
It’s probably time to see what another one of the young quarterbacks can do. Perhaps see what Mike White or James Morgan can do.
I’d go with White, who looked the best of the Jets’ young QB trio in training camp.
What is that old saying about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result?
Darnold, who is a terrific guy, is giving it his best shot, but is struggling mightily right now with field vision, pocket presence and eye manipulation of defense backs.
As Jay Feely said on Sunday, a change of scenery would likely be best for him.
And please take the assessment of opposing coaches with a grain of salt.
December 14, 2020
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