The New York Jets offense hasn’t been the same without second-year quarterback Sam Darnold, considering his first game back he managed to overcome a tough Dallas Cowboys team. Beating Dallas on Jerry Jones’ birthday is like celebrating Christmas twice, ask Giants fans.
With the Jets gearing up to face off against a stout New England Patriots team on Monday night, they’re also preparing to welcome back one of their best offensive weapons, tight end, Chris Herndon.
Darnold salivated over the idea of gaining back his security blanket, stating:
“Right now we’re just missing Chris, once all the guys are back together, I think we’re unstoppable as an offense or we can be,†Darnold said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s up to us how we execute or how well we go out there and play.
“It’s really up to us how many points we score, I think. I think we’re capable of scoring so many points. Our offensive line, too, they played well the last game, with the way we’ve been running the ball and the way they’ve been protecting, I think sky’s the limit for us.â€
Darnold sliced the Cowboys defense for 338 yards on 23 completions and two touchdowns. The Patriots defense is an entirely different beast, though, as they allowed their first passing touchdown of the season last week against the Giants. Yes, you heard that right, their FIRST passing touchdown of the season.
The Jets undoubtedly have the talent to tack on the second and third, but it comes down to Darnold and if he can carry the momentum into Monday night.
What have the New York Jets been missing in Herndon?
The top tight end for the Jets amassed 502 yards and four touchdowns in 2018 over 12 games started. He’s not only a red-zone target for Darnold, but it was only his rookie season, and working out the kinks in his game was a priority. Going into his sophomore campaign with experience and chemistry with Darnold should make him a deadly option moving forward.