Jets-Vikings in London: Sam Darnold a different QB than when he was a Jet
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms yo during NFL football practice at The Grove in Watford, England Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Kin Cheung
LONDON — Sauce Gardner expanded his film study this week.
The Jets cornerback didn’t watch only Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and quarterback Sam Darnold. He went as far back as Darnold’s time with the Jets to see what he could pick up that would help him.
Something definitely stood out to Gardner after seeing old film of Darnold.
“It looked different,” Gardner said. “It really does. He’s got those guys around him. I’m sure they all made each other better. He definitely looked better and different than he was, based on the film that I watched when he was a Jet.”
Darnold is a far different quarterback than he was in his three seasons with the Jets. Their former No. 3 overall pick is tied for the NFL lead with 11 touchdown passes and a passer rating of 118.9. He also leads one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.
The Vikings (4-0), one of only two unbeaten teams in the NFL, are scoring 29 points per game, the fourth-most points in the league.
A lot has changed for the Jets since they traded Darnold in 2021, but some things remain the same heading into Sunday morning’s game against Minnesota at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Their offense continues to be a conundrum and they’re seeking to establish some form of identity.
The Jets didn’t score a touchdown in last week’s 10-9 loss to Denver. Their offense looked eerily similar to so many games they’ve played during the last several seasons. With Aaron Rodgers under center, this wasn’t expected to happen. However, it continues to happen, and Rodgers knows it’s something that’s got to change and get fixed quickly.
“We’ve been up and down,” he said. “We’re still trying to find ways to get the ball in space to our guys, get our best 11 on the field, and it starts with me. I’ve got to be efficient and deal the ball when necessary, hold on to it when necessary.”
The Jets (2-2) seem more on the verge of breaking apart than breaking through, making this an even more important game for them. This past week for the Jets was about flushing last week’s performance and getting on the same page.
Plenty of conversations were had about this, between coach Robert Saleh and Rodgers over a cadence controversy and Rodgers and Garrett Wilson over their lack of chemistry.
The Jets contend that much of this firestorm has been media-created, so they could have an us-against-everyone type of rallying cry this week. But it’s evident that Rodgers and Wilson are seeing things differently, leading to frustration from both sides.
“They’ve been working through some kinks, and the kinks are coming in those few and far between one-on-one opportunities that they get,” Saleh said.
“But I know they’re working at it. I know it’s going to get closer. As we continue to jell and discover our identity, it will get better.”
Wilson has 20 catches on 34 targets for 196 yards and a touchdown. The Jets’ explanation is that defenses are focusing on Wilson and trying to take him away.
The counter to that argument is that teams are doing the same with Jefferson, arguably the NFL’s top receiver. Jefferson has 20 grabs for 358 yards and four touchdowns. This is Darnold’s first year with him, so the quarterback and receiver clearly have clicked better and faster. Jets cornerback D.J. Reed credits Vikings coach and play-caller Kevin O’Connell.
“O’Connell, in my opinion, is the top guy calling calls right now,” Reed said. “He’s just a great offensive coordinator, like he knows how to attack the defense. So he’s going to get looks that he wants.”
The Jets remain a work in progress from that standpoint. They have talented players at all skill positions but have yet to put it together or find any consistency.
Last week, running back Breece Hall had a career-low 4 yards rushing on 10 carries. The offensive line struggled to protect Rodgers, who was sacked five times and hit 14 times. They had five false-start penalties.
The Jets still had a chance to win at the end, in large part because of Denver’s ineffectiveness. But Greg Zuerlein missed a 50-yard field-goal attempt.
Minnesota is far better and a more complete team than Denver. The Jets will have trouble competing if they don’t play efficiently and cohesively on offense.
“I feel like we got a lot to prove,” Wilson said. “What’s better than to go up against an undefeated team over here, kind of just let loose and play.”
Saleh said the first four weeks are “the nothing part of football” because teams are still figuring out who they are. This is the start of a critical juncture.
After Minnesota, they play the 3-1 Bills and 3-1 Steelers. The season could get away from Saleh and the Jets quickly if they’re not sharp.
Saleh is steadfast in his belief that last week’s game was an anomaly and that the Jets still will be a contender this season.
“Jump on the wagon,” Saleh said, “because it’s going to get full quick.”
Maybe, or the wheels could completely come off for the Jets and a real firestorm will be brewing.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
