Measure a QB by what they do after the pick....

[purplefaithful]

What did Sam do after his pick in the 3rd qtr?

5 for 5 and a TD...

https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/401671725

[Kentis]

Sam is resilient & his team is relentless, a sweet combo for the faithful, Purple…!  

[MaroonBells]

What did Sam do after his pick in the 3rd qtr?

5 for 5 and a TD...

https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/401671725

Yep. We talked about this early in the year when we were all kinda waiting for Bad Sam to show up at our doorstep. But it wasn't so much his arrival that worried me, it was how long he planned on staying. Every QB has bad games. The good ones bounce back and the bad ones spiral. Sam threw 3 picks against the Jags on November 10th and has since thrown 18 TDs and 2 INTs. 

So whether you're talking about bouncing back from bad plays or bad games, a short memory is a bankable quality and one that I think came directly from KOC's coaching and culture.

[MAD GAINZ]

Yep. We talked about this early in the year when we were all kinda waiting for Bad Sam to show up at our doorstep. But it wasn't so much his arrival that worried me, it was how long he planned on staying. Every QB has bad games. The good ones bounce back and the bad ones spiral. Sam threw 3 picks against the Jags on November 10th and has since thrown 18 TDs and 2 INTs. 

So whether you're talking about bouncing back from bad plays or bad games, a short memory is a bankable quality and one that I think came directly from KOC's coaching and culture.

I think Darnold has shown measurable growth in the second half of the season.  I'd say the first 8-9 games, he was holding the ball too long and locking on JJ too much.  It seemed like there were stretches where the offense just stalled too often and then KOC was finding ways to get JJ open and boom we score.  The ball was only going to Aaron Jones or Addison if it was a designed screen, wheel route, jet sweep handoff, etc.

But then after his rough starts against Indy and Jax, it's like something clicked with Darnold.  All of a sudden he's finding Addison earlier when JJ is double or triple teamed, he started finding Hock in the middle of the field, he's recognizing the defense dropping deep into coverage and checking it down to Aaron Jones in space.

He's really playing some good football.  It felt like the first half the season, he had the stats but it was a little misleading when you actually watch him play.  But these past 7 games...  7 straight dubs and 18 TDs and 2 INTs...  Dude is dealing.

[purplefaithful]

I think Darnold has shown measurable growth in the second half of the season.  I'd say the first 8-9 games, he was holding the ball too long and locking on JJ too much.  It seemed like there were stretches where the offense just stalled too often and then KOC was finding ways to get JJ open and boom we score.  The ball was only going to Aaron Jones or Addison if it was a designed screen, wheel route, jet sweep handoff, etc.

But then after his rough starts against Indy and Jax, it's like something clicked with Darnold.  All of a sudden he's finding Addison earlier when JJ is double or triple teamed, he started finding Hock in the middle of the field, he's recognizing the defense dropping deep into coverage and checking it down to Aaron Jones in space.

He's really playing some good football.  It felt like the first half the season, he had the stats but it was a little misleading when you actually watch him play.  But these past 7 games...  7 straight dubs and 18 TDs and 2 INTs...  Dude is dealing.

KC said this is a very complex offense that took him time to learn. I suspect thats exactly whats happening here with Darnold. 

As a fan? You have to wonder what Sam would do Yr2 in this offense? And I am sure Eagan (when the time is right) is considering the same

[MAD GAINZ]

KC said this is a very complex offense that took him time to learn. I suspect thats exactly whats happening here with Darnold. 

As a fan? You have to wonder what Sam would do Yr2 in this offense? And I am sure Eagan (when the time is right) is considering the same

It might be hard to top his TD total next year, but I could see his INTs dropping a bit.

[Vikergirl]

It's not just KOC, Darnold has a connection with McCown that goes back to their Jets days. You see them together on the sidelines a lot. Lately Darnold has been talking about not taking things for granted and his own accountability. He acknowledged that he held on to the ball too long in pressers. But his confidence has grown as his comfort level and trust has grown. He responds well after mistakes. His mobility and his arm strength are huge assets. The OL is gelling with the addition of Robinson and Risner. They are definitely playing as a more cohesive unit now especially in the game against the Packers. Well done Sammy D.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

It's not just KOC, Darnold has a connection with McCown that goes back to their Jets days. You see them together on the sidelines a lot. Lately Darnold has been talking about not taking things for granted and his own accountability. He acknowledged that he held on to the ball too long in pressers. But his confidence has grown as his comfort level and trust has grown. He responds well after mistakes. His mobility and his arm strength are huge assets. The OL is gelling with the addition of Robinson and Risner. They are definitely playing as a more cohesive unit now especially in the game against the Packers. Well done Sammy D.

I agree with this. Yes, he gained some confidence. I think it was after the Bears game. I can see it in his pressers. He had canned and guarded responses most of the season. But his success seems to have loosened him up a bit. He seems more relaxed and confident. He has done very well under pressure which was unexpected. He has found his groove and knows he has an exceptional surround. He still holds the ball but is finding ways to avoid the rush and find his underneath receivers recently.
He relying on his fundamentals and taking games one play at a time; and it has given him success. He says he wants to deliver the ball to his playmakers, and he is doing just that.
The offensive line has been playing pretty good, and that will need to continue from here on out. If they do, Sam Darnold will wheel and deal.
The defense will be critical against Detroit. They will have to contain the run so they can get some third and longs. Detroit has an excellent offensive line, but the Vikings will benefit if they can get a few hits on Goff. I think Flores can make that happen.

[Godhead]

The greats can throw away a lot of the future bad plays in a single mistake.
Gotta throw all the bad at once just don’t try to do it over and over.

[NorseFeathers]

That was a scratch ... not a pick!