After an NFL trade deadline that ultimately saw the New York Jets keep most of their top talent, head coach Adam Gase talked about quarterback Sam Darnold.
Appearing on “The Michael Kay Show” Tuesday following the deadline, Gase was asked if he still believes in Darnold, who has struggled in a big way since returning from his extended absence due to mononucleosis.
Gase made it clear he’s still on board with his young quarterback.
In the two games since Darnold has gotten back into the starting lineup, the second-year quarterback out of USC has completed just 51.6% of his passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Darnold also was caught on a live mic admitting the New England Patriots had him seeing ghosts — something that the Jacksonville Jaguars took full advantage of this past weekend.
Part of the problem is that New York’s offensive line is a train wreck. That’s also seen in the way Le’Veon Bell has struggled to run the ball this year, averaging just 3.2 yards per rushing attempt.
The Jets are in a dark place, and some would argue that at least in part is due to Gase’s track record as a coach who struggles to connect with his players. Whether he remains in power past this year remains to be seen. The organization has a lot to think about, to be sure.