NFL 2018: Ranking the new QB situations for 2018 season

#5 Sam Darnold, New York Jets (1-3)

Darnold was the only rookie quarterback who was named the starting quarterback prior to week 1. He had to earn the job in a battle with Teddy Bridgewater. Both Darnold and Bridgewater had a good preseason leading the Jets to trade Bridgewater to Saints and announce Darnold as a starter.

Unlike other rookies, Darnold had an impressive start to his career. He completed 76% of his passes for 198 yards, 2 TDs and a pick with an impressive 116.8 rating. But after that, he came back crashing to earth. He had 4 more INTs to only 2 TDs in the remaining three games.

Darnold had his first career game without any interception in week 4 against a very good Jacksonville Jaguars defense. That should be considered a minor victory for a rookie QB who is struggling after a strong start.

Unlike other quarterbacks, Darnold isn't surrounded by high flying talent. His receivers and the running backs are well below league average. In order to succeed long-term, the Jets need to provide weapons around him as the Bears did with Mitchell Trubisky this year, which helped him go off in week 4.

Quincy Enunwa and the receivers need to step up and help the rookie QB to have any shot this year. Patriots, who had a slow start are getting back their groove right in time with Julian Edelman returning from his suspension.

Jets will be facing a tough Denver defense in week 5. if Darnold could escape that game without a Turnover, they could have a very good chance to escape with a W. He could take some pointer from his veteran backup and mentor Josh McCown.