Sam Darnold started his rookie campaign with a bang and then went through the roller coaster that was his first season in the NFL. The Jets' rookie QB entered the offseason with his head held high and reflected back on his first year in an article he penned for NewYorkJets.com

"It feels like forever ago my first pass went the other way for six in Detroit," said Darnold. "Actually, after I threw that pass, I think I was smiling as I was walking back to the sideline. I was just like, 'Man, of course this happens to me.' It's the worst possible thing that could've happened, but I was really proud of the way we responded."

The Jets crushed the Lions 48-17, as Darnold finished with 198 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Jets fans were on cloud nine after seeing their top draft pick bounce back from an otherwise shaky first snap.

Darnold went on to discuss his feelings after the Jets .500 start to the year entering week 7 and the frustrations that came with playing injured. "We went on a two-game winning streak, we were 3-3 and went on a losing streak, which sucked. Then I got hurt and threw four picks against Miami, and then I had to sit out and not play. It killed me not being able to make up for it."

The No. 3 overall pick draft wants to continue to set the right culture in New York going forward and part of that includes having the certain types of players in the locker room.

"I think as long as we continue to have a core of leaders that can tell guys what to do and what not to do, tell guys this is how we do things and we don't do this around here, as long as we have guys that can set the culture, I think as long as we keep that core group tight, we're going to be all right."

Darnold finished off by thanking the fans and cracking a quick joke. "To the fans: You're awesome. You can really give it to us when we're not playing well, but I love that. It really fires me up and makes me want to play better."

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