With Trevor Lawrence out of the picture, Sam Darnold continues his case for the Jets to retain him as their fullback in 2021.
Darnold played a clean, if not spectacular, game in the 23-16 victory over the Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Darnold did not turn the ball around for the third consecutive game. This is the longest stretch in Darnold’s career without turnover.
“As for the fact that I didn’t turn the ball around and play so consistently, I thought I played well,” Darnold said. ‘Obviously I thought there were some decisions, and maybe did not take the throw I could take. However, when I look at the tape, I think there are going to be some decisions I want to get back, or maybe go my first time reading and not get off on it. There are such things, but overall I’m glad I did not turn the ball over and did not have to score. ‘
Darnold passed 16 of 32 for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball seven times for 20 yards and played Browns linebacker Malcolm Smith at one point.
The 23-year-old has been speculating about the Jets picking the No. 1 and Lawrence, the Clemson star, all season. Now, however, the Jets are locked into the No. 2 pick and it appears Lawrence is on his way to the Jaguars, who secured the No. 1 pick with their loss Sunday and the Jets’ victory.
“That’s what it is,” Darnold said. ‘While the season is going as it should, there will be talk of the number one choice or anything you can suggest, so for me I just did a good job of voting it out and I’m going to work every week, and really it applies to our whole group. I feel like all the guys in the locker room and have really put my head down and gone to work every week so far, and once again we just want to finish it off against a good Pats team. ‘
TE Chris Herndon had four catches for 34 yards and a shot. It was his most catch since the first week in Buffalo when he had six. The Jets needed production from Herndon, with Ryan Griffin on the reserve / COVID-19 list.
“I just feel like I’m locked up today, especially with Ryan Griffin who was unfortunately not here,” Herndon said. “I knew someone had to act and play an extra role. I feel like I did it today and did it at a high level for my team. ”
RB Frank Gore has 16,000 runs in his career after winning 48 on Sunday. He is the third player in NFL history to score and joins Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Gore left the game in the second half with a chest injury. … RG Josh Andrews left the game with a groin injury. … The Jets end this season with 1-7 at home.