Training camp was merely three practices in for the Jets — Saturday being the first with the players in full pads — and coach Adam Gase could hardly contain his enthusiasm for what’s to come with the franchise quarterback he inherited when he was hired in January.
Sam Darnold, poised to begin his second NFL season and possessing tantalizing potential, has that kind of effect on his head coach.
“He’s 22 years old and he can throw the piss out of the ball,’’ Gase said after Saturday’s practice. “So it’s fun … fun to call plays.’’
The evolution of Darnold in Year 2 has the potential to be one of the most fascinating subplots, not just for the Jets, but also for the entire NFL season. There isn’t anyone associated with the Jets who is not amped with anticipation to see how significant the next step will be for Darnold.
Gase, for one, believes Darnold took a massive leap forward last season after he returned from missing three games with a foot injury and threw six touchdown passes to only one interception in the final four games of the season.
Those final four games, coincidentally, came after Darnold played his worst game as a pro against Gase’s Dolphins, getting picked off four times and suffering a right-foot strain in the process.
“It almost looked like he went from Year 1 to Year 2 just watching Josh [McCown, the veteran backup] play those [three] games and coming back,’’ Gase said. “He was getting the ball out quicker, making better decisions, moving the ball well, finding ways to get into the end zone. And [now], even though it’s a new offense, he’s taken a lot of those things he learned and applied them.’’
Asked what the most tangible difference he sees in Darnold from last season to this summer, Gase was quick to answer.
“Confidence,’’ Gase said.
Gase could have added “communication,’’ as well, with Darnold sounding as if he’s mastering the art of communicating with both his teammates and his new head coach.
“Confidence is a huge asset to have as a quarterback,’’ Darnold said Saturday. “Going into Year 2, [I’m] knowing most of the guys and understanding their personalities, what clicks for them, how to talk to them. Some guys click to different things. It’s about knowing the teammates and understanding how you’ve got to talk to them. You’ve got to be able to understand what makes guys click, what sets a fire underneath the guy.
“As a quarterback, you’ve got to be able to lead, tell the guys what to do on every single play.’’
Gase, who spent some time on the sideline Saturday with the retired McCown, a visitor for the day, said he likes the development he has seen.
“Just getting comfortable with being able to have those conversations in a team setting or one-on-one setting, him being comfortable in those situations is so valuable to the organization, because that’s the step you have to take to become that leader that we’re looking for,’’ Gase said. “He just has natural leadership ability, where he doesn’t even try and guys respond to him.’’
Gase also is encouraged by the fact Darnold isn’t afraid to let him know if he’s struggling with something in the offense.
“He does a great job of communicating back to me,’’ Gase said. “If something is hazy, he’ll tell me. I don’t have to do guesswork. And that is very helpful when you’re trying to teach him something that maybe he’s never done before.
“Josh and myself were talking about [how] last year [Darnold] wouldn’t say, ‘I don’t get that. I don’t understand what you guys are saying.’ He would take it in and try to figure it out [on his own]. I told Josh that he’s gotten past that. If he doesn’t understand something, he’ll tell me. And that’s experience, that’s what one year does for you. One year in this league feels like 10. [Darnold] probably feels like a 10-year vet.’’
Darnold is as stoked as anyone to see where Year 2 takes him.
“I’m ready to roll, man,’’ he said. “I’m excited. I think this team is poised to do great things.’’
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