Darnold makes case to be Jets quarterback
Sam Darnold sparkled in his NFL debut before home fans and made a case to win the Jets’ starting quarterback job as he helped lead New York to a 17-0 preseason win over Atlanta on Friday night.
Darnold, the No. 3 pick in April, was the Jets’ third quarterback of the game, after Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater. The former USC star got a standing ovation as he jogged on the field at MetLife Stadium with 8:41 left in the first half.
He got the crowd on its feet again just before halftime, throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Charles Johnson.
“I was a little nervous going out there,” said Darnold, who finished 13 of 18 for 96 yards, “but I think more just excited to finally be able to play in an NFL game.”
McCown, 39, is the incumbent and started but played just one series, completing his only throw for four yards. Bridgewater came out with the starting offense for the Jets’ second possession and led a scoring drive, capped by Isaiah Crowell’s 16-yard catch-and-run to the end zone. Bridgewater finished seven of eight for 85 yards
Gruden’s a winner
Coach Jon Gruden was a winner in his return to Oakland when the Raiders got a touchdown pass from Connor Cook in a 16-10 home victory over Detroit. Oakland punted on the only drive with starting quarterback Derek Carr, but scored three times in five drives with Cook. He finished 11 for 19 for 141 yards.
Serious injuries
Washington rookie running back Derrius Guice, expected to start after being drafted in April, is out for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee . ... Indianapolis rookie wide receiver Deon Cain also will miss the rest of the season after tearing an ACL.