On the very first snap of his NFL career, the second-youngest starting quarterback in modern NFL history made a terrible decision, throwing a bloated chip shot across the field that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.
At that point, rookie New York Jets No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold essentially found himself in a fight-or-flight moment.
He fought, he gained redemption. He fought more, gained more redemption. He kept fighting, and at a certain point it felt as though he and the long-suffering Jets were rubbing it in.
In a remarkable showing of mental strength and physical prowess, Darnold completed all but four of the 20 passes he threw after that career-opening interception Monday night, accumulating 198 yards and two touchdowns.