The Jets have traded away Teddy Bridgewater, which shows their confidence in rookie QB Sam Darnold. And though it hasn't been made official yet, head coach Todd Bowles could be starting him Week 1 against the Lions on Monday NIght Football.
If that is the case, Darnold -- at the young age of 21 -- will be the youngest Week 1 starting quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, according to NFL research. Darnold will pass former Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe for the record by 106 days.
Though Josh McCown -- a veteran who had a career year with the Jets last year -- is still in the quarterbacks room, the Jets seem to like what they have seen from their No. 3 overall pick. Darnold has shown results in the stat sheet as well as the intangibles like scrambling out of the pocket, making throws on the run, and staying poised in tough situations.
Darnold was drafted to revitalize a position that has lacked in recent years for this Jets franchise. They have given him tons of first-team reps, and he looks to have made the best of it.
The USC product has totaled 244 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a 64.4 completion percentage this preseason.
We won't know for sure whether or not Darnold will get the nod to start under center Week 1 until after Thursday's final preseason matchup against the Eagles. But, all signs are pointing to Darnold to get the start, and in doing so, rewrite history.
