Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown nearly as many touchdowns (17) as interceptions (15). New York has lost eight of the 12 games he's started this season.
And yet, the No. 3 pick is optimistic in the future after what he's learned this season.
"Obviously, it's not the year we all wanted, but I feel like I've personally grown and I feel like this team has grown," Darnold told the New York Post's Brian Costello. "I'm really just excited about the future and what's in store for us."
The 21-year-old Darnold has thrown for 2,698 yards and has a 77.8 passer rating this season. The season didn't go according to plan. Of course, Darnold missed three games with a strained right foot. And the Jets have a chance to finish with the league's worst record and the No. 1 pick.
"You never plan on losing double-digit games in a season," Darnold said. "You don't plan on losing any. Whenever you put so much time and effort into one single game and you go out there and lose, it sucks. When you stack all those losses together, it adds a toll."
But Darnold said he's preparing to put in a lot of work in the offseason to improve himself and the team.
"I'm going watch my tape and I'm going to see where I can get better," Darnold said. "Just like doing all the drills I did with (former QB coach) Jordan (Palmer) to keep two hands on the ball in the pocket, it worked. For me, it's about continuing to find those minute details to continue to get better and keep working on them. It kind of happened this year with the fumbles. I think I can do the same thing with some of the other things in my game."
Darnold said his NFL debut, a 48-17 road victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 1, feels like so long ago. The Jets lost nine of 11 games from that point, though, including the three games Darnold missed. But in the three games Darnold has played since, he has thrown for six touchdowns and one interception.
"I've learned a lot of lessons throughout this whole season, very valuable ones that I'll take with me forever," Darnold said. "I've learned what not to do and also what to do. I'm very excited about the future."
For as optimistic as he is, he also sounds confident.
"I kind of know exactly what I need to do and how I need to get better," Darnold said.
