Sam Darnold

[Wolvesfan21]

The running game gave the offense plenty last night. I bet a couple years ago maybe even last year Akers doesn't get caught from behind. He is a nice backup though and it's impressive what he is able to do after 2 achillis injuries. I agree short yardage is a problem and has been for years. Where is Leroy Hoard?

Darnold was not good. The score probaly wasn't as bad as it looked for the team overall but whether it was all Darnold not playing well or also O'Connell also getting out coached it was got a good look against a team with a bunch of injuries on defense although they did have a good player back.

One really bad game in a big game isn't gonna keep teams from adding Darnold at QB. Will it tamp down the desire to get him and the amount teams are willing to pay him? Absolutely. Still Darnold has done enough to make teams want him because he is likely to be seen as better than the other available options. One thing he has going for him is he has ability to extend plays reasonably well and actually sometimes sees the rush come and escape. Does it get him into trouble some and does he hold the ball too long? Yes but it's something that has value. Let's see what he does going forward in the playoffs. I have been a Darnold supporter and not that surprised at his success but the game last night was pretty rough. Aaron Glenn should get some credit too as well as the Detroit players.

Meanwhile did anyone keep watching and see JJ McCarthy on the sideline at the end of the game? Dude looks like he is in HS and looked more skinny than I was expecting.

I'll predict right now we cannot franchise him and get anything for him. A franchise tag is I think around 41-42 million expected for a QB. So basically teams will have to feel like that is a bargain to extend or sign him from. I don't think anyone thinks he'll be worth 41 million plus. Maybe in the 25-30 range. I honestly wouldn't even sign him to that though. I credit the vast majority of our success to our elite WR's and coaching. Other teams don't have that. Darnold will live or die by his surroundings / system / scheme fit / talent around him. He's not one who elevates the offense.

You have to keep in mind other teams know we have elite weapons and great coaching too and that Darnold has had one good year. He's very risky to pay big money too never the less trade picks for and pay.

These are NFL franchises you are talking about. They do dumb shit like that pretty frequently. Keep in mind 41 million is about to be the new starting point for starting QBs in the league with the cap continuing to rise. If a team trades for him they can either get him for 1 year and see what they want to do from there or sign him to a deal that might more financially viable going forward. I don't see Dwrnolf getting more than 2 years fully guaranteed from any team because of what you suggested.

I'm curious how confident are you in JJ McCarthy being really good?

What I really like about JJ is his athletic ability and his ability to throw on the run. Both look to be great to elite level. Darnold seems below avg in both.

Maybe his two things he needs to work on from college are his touch (Sam Darnold still doesn't have it either though) and his release is on the longer side. He tended in college to rifle balls too much. He does have a strong arm though also. There was one incredible atheltic play he made against my Bama team in the semis where I think the snap was high and almost went over his head, or maybe it did and he made a incredible off balance throw under pressure. It was really impressive.

I do think he can be better then Darnold this year in a couple years. I think first year starting, the odds are probably not favorable. Year two I think his odds are good. Just assuming he stays healthy and everything.

[Wolvesfan21]

KOC lost all confidence in Sammy in that second half. Went to a bunch of simple short throws, screens, runs, despite being down big. IDK, I would have simply benched him and went to Mullens. He'd at least throw the ball and give you a 3% chance of coming back. I get "sticking" to your guy you rode with all year, but when he is that bad. Kind of a no win situation. On to the next year.

[Q-is-here]

KOC lost all confidence in Sammy in that second half. Went to a bunch of simple short throws, screens, runs, despite being down big. IDK, I would have simply benched him and went to Mullens. He'd at least throw the ball and give you a 3% chance of coming back. I get "sticking" to your guy you rode with all year, but when he is that bad. Kind of a no win situation. On to the next year.

What a tragedy, to go from regular season hero/potential MVP candidate to a deer-in-the headlights failure. It makes the offseason decision on what to do with him much easier, but that's a small consolation versus the visions of grandeur the fanbase had before the Detroit game.

[Wolvesfan21]

KOC lost all confidence in Sammy in that second half. Went to a bunch of simple short throws, screens, runs, despite being down big. IDK, I would have simply benched him and went to Mullens. He'd at least throw the ball and give you a 3% chance of coming back. I get "sticking" to your guy you rode with all year, but when he is that bad. Kind of a no win situation. On to the next year.

What a tragedy, to go from regular season hero/potential MVP candidate to a deer-in-the headlights failure. It makes the offseason decision on what to do with him much easier, but that's a small consolation versus the visions of grandeur the fanbase had before the Detroit game.

He couldn't even throw a screen pass to Jetts which was wide open. Deer in headlights is no joke. I remember Ponder looked that way a little bit at times. Two of the worst QB played games I have ever seen in the NFL. I have no idea why I kept watching that.