ESPN.com · Sep 10, 2018
As Darnold era begins, it's on Jets to let Sam be Sam
DETROIT -- For a fleeting moment, New York Jets coach Todd Bowles sounded like one of his predecessors, sans the pulpit passion.
The subject was Sam Darnold, who will make history Monday night when he becomes the youngest quarterback in the modern era to start an opener. Bowles was asked if the Jets have to be conservative against the Detroit Lions, considering Darnold's inexperience and age. He's 21 years, 97 days old, which means he's barely old enough to buy a beer at Ford Field. Without hesitation, Bowles gave a steely reply.
"We're going up there trying to win a game, not play a game," he said.
You could almost hear the echo of Herm Edwards, 2002: "You play to win the game!"