Darnold looks like rookie in loss

LANDOVER, Md. — Sam Darnold threw an interception and showed some of the growing pains of a rookie quarterback in his first preseason start for the New York Jets, who lost to the Washington Redskins 15-13 on a last-second field goal Thursday night.

Darnold was 8 of 11 for 62 yards, but took two sacks and had a couple of throws batted out of the air, including the pass that was intercepted . It was a far cry from the impressive debut in which the third overall pick went 13 of 18 for 96 yards and looked like the front-runner to win New York’s starting QB competition. The former USC star played the entire first half before giving way to veteran Teddy Bridgewater. The former Vikings quarterback had his own inconsistences, going 10 of 15 for 127 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Redskins starter Alex Smith was 4 of 6 for 48 yards in one series, his only work so far in the preseason.

Jets coach Todd Bowles has said he needs to evaluate Darnold the most because he’s plenty familiar with incumbent starter Josh McCown and knows about Bridgewater. Darnold showed flashes for the Jets (1-1), going 5 of 5 on his second drive, but was sacked by Preston Smith to force a field goal on a night full of them.

Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins made all five of his field-goal attempts, including a 40-yarder as time expired to win it for the Redskins (1-1).

INJURIES

Jets: CB Jeremy Clark left with a hamstring injury. … LT Kelvin Beachum (foot), RG Brian Winters (abdominal), RB Isaiah Crowell (concussion) and DL Steve McLendon (leg) did not play.

Redskins: RB Samaje Perine injured an ankle on his first carry, a 30-yard run, and did not return.