Darnold, Bridgewater make cases to be Jets’ starter

EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. » The New York Jets’ already intriguing quarterback competition just got a lot more interesting.

Thanks to a poised Sam Darnold. And a sharp and healthy Teddy Bridgewater.

Josh McCown is still No. 1 on the depth chart, but the other two quarterbacks made big-time statements in the Jets’ 17-0 preseasonopening victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night.

“We’ll see how the preseason goes,” coach Todd Bowles said after the game. “I’ll makemy decisionwhen it happens. I’m not going to jump to any conclusions after one game. I’m going to take my notes and watch practice and compare with the coaches and we’ll come up with a decision. It’s a tough decision.

“We have three good players and we’re happy to have them.”

Bowles has said that the competition could last through the fourth preseason game, and he didn’t back off that when asked if that were still the case.

“Probably,” the coach said in his typically understated fashion.

While Bowles isn’t about to start making any prematureproclamations, therewas plenty for the Jets and their fans to get excited about.

McCown played just one series and was replaced by Bridgewater, who led New York to scores on both of his possessions. Then, Darnold jogged onto the field at MetLife Stadium to an ovation befitting a guy considered by many to be the savior of the franchise.

The No. 3 overall pick in the draft showed poise, accuracy, playmaking ability on the run and veteran-like cool in his NFL debut.

“I thought I played pretty good,” Darnold said. “I think I just put the ball where it needed to be, tried to get it in the hands of our playmakers.”

The former USC star finished 13 of 18 for 96 yards, including a touchdown pass to Charles Johnson during which he rolled right and zipped the football into the end zone to his receiver while on the run. That came after Darnold brushed off a drop and an offensive pass interference penalty — both on Johnson — leading to the score.

“Poise. Again, the poise in the pocket,” Bowles said. “Obviously, the touchdown throw. The scramble was very good use of his feet and accuracy, but he does that in practice all the time, so I can’t say it impressed me because we see it every day. Just his handling of game situations. There are things he can get better at, but it’s a good start for him.”