Sam Darnold feels amazing feeling to start quarterback of Jets

Sam Darnold told reporters Tuesday "it's an amazing feeling" to know he's the starting quarterback of the New York Jets, but despite all the excitement, he isn't getting carried away.

Sam Darnold told reporters Tuesday "it's an amazing feeling" to know he's the starting quarterback of the New York Jets, but despite all the excitement, he isn't getting carried away.

"I know that just because I got named the starter doesn't mean we won the game Monday night," Darnold said, meeting the media a day after Todd Bowles announced the No. 3 overall pick would take the reins in the opener against the Lions. "It's awesome and I'm really happy to be the starting quarterback, but I also know that I've got to go out there and do my job."

At 21 years, 97 days old, Darnold will become the youngest opening-day starting quarterback in NFL history. The feat is not lost on the rookie, but he also said it reminds him of work to be done.

"I mean, yeah, it's cool," Darnold said. "It's definitely something that I pride myself on. First of all, I know that I haven't done anything yet. I haven't won any games in the NFL.

"I've just got to go out there and do my job. Knowing that I am young compared to a lot of the other starting quarterbacks, for me, I think that's more of just affirmation of knowing that I've got a long way to go."

Darnold competed with veteran Josh McCown and offseason acquisition Teddy Bridgewater during training camp and the preseason. The Jets recently shipped Bridgewater to the New Orleans Saints, while McCown will be the backup and help mentor and coach the rookie.

Darnold completed 64.4 percent of his passes in the preseason for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, quickly finding himself comfortable with the speed of the game.

"I knew that once I went out there in the preseason games," he said, "and was able to call the play in the huddle, go out there and score a couple touchdowns, I knew that I could play this game at a high level."

Darnold's debut will come in the opening game of ESPN's Monday night doubleheader, but Bowles isn't worried about the rookie -- who played in front of crowds of more than 90,000 during his time at Southern California -- handling the spotlight.

"I don't think it's very difficult," Bowles said. "He's been playing football all his life. He's not just coming fresh out of the womb and just grabbing the ball for the first time. He's been in crowds. He's seen crowds and he's been playing football. I don't think it's that big of a deal.

"It's always going to be loud in a dome, and Detroit is a tough place to play, I get that, but he just has to play football. He'll be fine."

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