Jets coaches had a moment of joy when watching the film of the win over the Redskins last week. After quarterback Sam Darnold threw an ill-advised screen pass in the second quarter that was intercepted, he wound up on the sideline and was walking his way toward the bench. Then, he gave a motion with his hands that he should have “dirted” the ball, meaning throw it at the receiver’s feet so it couldn’t be intercepted.
Darnold did not need to be told what he did wrong. He realized it immediately and the coaches saw another sign that the second-year quarterback is growing.