ESPN.com · Aug 1, 2018
'Magical sloppiness' could help Sam Darnold earn Week 1 start
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- In Rex Ryan's mind, it's a no-brainer.
"If the kid is ready, play him," the former New York Jets coach said Tuesday. "Why would you stunt his growth?"
The kid, of course, is Sam Darnold, only 21 years old and fabulously wealthy -- the perceived savior of a franchise that hasn't been to a Super Bowl in 50 years. Now that he's under contract, with a $20 million signing bonus in the bank, his development in the next few weeks will be one of the top storylines in the NFL. At some point in the preseason, coach Todd Bowles will have to determine whether Darnold is ready to lead the team.
Start the future now, or let him season on the bench?
