New York Daily News

Darnold, Robby set for Act 2

- BY DJ BIEN-AIME II

Robby Anderson is ready to build on his chemistry with Sam Darnold.

Monday’s trade that sent Darnold to the Panthers for draft picks also reunited the former USC star with his favorite weapon from their time together with Gang Green.

Anderson played with Darnold from 2018-2019, catching 102 passes for 1,531 yards and 11 touchdowns in 30 games together.

Anderson discussed the reunion on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” Tuesday morning.

“I think me and Sam had very good chemistry,” Anderson said. “I think that really stems from communicat­ion and just trust. I think if you look at the growth between me and Sam, you notice toward the back end of me being with the Jets, him throwing the ball up in double coverage and just throwing the ball up. That came with time and just trust in me making those plays and coming through for him in the clutch.”

Anderson was also asked about the supporting cast and coaching Darnold received during his three seasons after the Jets made the California native the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

“Me personally speaking, I just think Sam kinda, his developmen­t was not correct with the Jets,” he said. “I think he didn’t have the best supporting cast around him, the best coaching to get him to his full potential.”

But Anderson is correct, the Jets failed to give Darnold the coaching and talent needed for a young quarterbac­k to succeed. He never had a 1,000-yard running back or wide receiver. The Jets allowed Anderson to walk in free agency last offseason and didn’t replace him. And former Jets coach Adam Gase also stunted Darnold’s developmen­t.

Anderson went on to post a strong season in Charlotte with career bests in receptions (95) and yards (1,096) with Teddy Bridgewate­r running the offense.

Now Darnold will have an opportunit­y to save his career. He finally is surrounded with a competent offensive staff in Panthers coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinato­r Joe Brady. In addition, he’ll have the best supporting cast he’s ever had in wide receiver D.J. Moore and running back Christian McCaffrey.

Plus, he’ll have Anderson on his side again.

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