Allen, Darnold check out Open

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. » Sam Darnold and Josh Allen are spending their weekend watching greatness, and for once it’s not other football players.

They’re at Shinnecock Hills for the U. S. Open.

Selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft — Darnold by the New York Jets, Allen by the Buffalo Bills — the two quarterbacks are headed to the pros but are far from done learning.

“We talk about it all the time in the quarterback room: When- ever we get a chance to watch greatness, whatever it is, we want to do it and learn from it,” Darnold said. “Even last weekend with Justify winning the Triple Crown, you appreciate that as a quarterback and someone who’s striving to be great.”

Darnold and Al len checked out all 18 holes, spending a long time by the green of No. 8, just watching everyone putt. Each golfer’s ability to pinpoint a shot never ceased to amaze them. But it’s what comes before the swing that they really admire and respect: the preparation before the action.

“It’s like what me and Sam would do as quarterbacks, evaluat i ng the defense before we snap the ball and trying to get understanding of what they’re doing,” Allen said. “And that’s what they’re doing on the course. Before every shot, they’re trying to gauge the wind, trying to gauge the distance, and ultimately trying to have the right swing to put the ball where they want.” felt.”

Now the focus turns to preseason camp in August.

“I want to get in the best shape I possibly can so ... I’m ready to compete,” he said.

Culpepper, who had one star t last year, wasn’t on the two- deep depth chart for spring and likely won’t be at the start of summer camp. But he’ll be in the mix behind senior Eric Dungey and redshirt freshman Tommy DeVito.