MMQB - The Sam Darnold Hype Train Slows Down

[Plankton]

https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/03/sam-darnold-usc-quarterback-2018-draft-washington-state-loss

I have some advice for everyone following a bad team—and, as a result, all the top college quarterbacks—and it really boils down to two words: Chill out.

USC’s Sam Darnold looked like crap on Friday night at Washington State. He threw for 164 yards after crossing the 200-yard threshold in each of his first 14 starts. He fell below 60 percent completions for just the second time as a starter (he was at 57.1 percent against Texas on Sept. 16), and in Pullman was well below that mark (51.7). He didn’t throw a touchdown pass for the first time since his first start.

And the truth is, that this wasn’t just the stats. Darnold really struggled, as the Trojans’ 13-game win streak, dating back to the quarterback’s second start, was snapped.

“He has a slight hitch, a wind-up in his throw, and he does stare down receivers,” said one veteran evaluator. “He’s still learning to read defenses. This is a young kid. Not ready for primetime yet. He has the tools, but he’s too inconsistent, and the hype doesn’t help him either. Overall, he has a lot of ability but he’s just not there yet.”

 

[mattjames2010]

Some of it is on him, some of it is on USC play calling and injuries/bad receivers. I still think he's a stud, and I don't think the "primetime" thing is a valid criticism, on a huge stage last year, he made some of the best throws I've seen from a college QB to get them a Rose Bowl victory.

What I think is the biggest problem is that he is trying to put too much on himself now, forcing throws, trying to make magic happen rather than just taking what a defense gives him. He can make all the throws, but he needs to realize the defense can make some plays as well and have.

I think he'll be okay - may need another year of college though. Right now, his draft stock is hurting.

 

[KingintheNorth]

The way things are going right now, I wouldn't be surprised if he returns to SC for his (redshirt) junior year.

 

[Sydla]

Overrated.

Bad decision maker. He makes some really, really dumb decisions with the ball.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Some of it is on him, some of it is on USC play calling and injuries/bad receivers. I still think he's a stud, and I don't think the "primetime" thing is a valid criticism, on a huge stage last year, he made some of the best throws I've seen from a college QB to get them a Rose Bowl victory.

What I think is the biggest problem is that he is trying to put too much on himself now, forcing throws, trying to make magic happen rather than just taking what a defense gives him. He can make all the throws, but he needs to realize the defense can make some plays as well and have.

I think he'll be okay - may need another year of college though. Right now, his draft stock is hurting.

I think Rosen has retaken that #1 slot. He goes back to school he retakes that slot in 2019 and is still only 21. I think its the right decision. He has top 3 NFL QB potential, but I dont think he beats out Rosen who is just as talented (if not more so) and is the better player right now. A QB of his ability should be thinking #1 overall or stay

 

[mattjames2010]

I think Rosen has retaken that #1 slot. He goes back to school he retakes that slot in 2019 and is still only 21. I think its the right decision. He has top 3 NFL QB potential, but I dont think he beats out Rosen who is just as talented (if not more so) and is the better player right now. A QB of his ability should be thinking #1 overall or stay

Yeah, I say to just stay and let USC get things fixed - I think he'll finish the season strong though once players start to return. They desperately need a #2 receiver though, because outside of that, there really has been little to no help for him.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Yeah, I say to just stay and let USC get things fixed - I think he'll finish the season strong though once players start to return. They desperately need a #2 receiver though, because outside of that, there really has been little to no help for him.

Judging from the article, his potential destinations loom large in his decision. I think that is a good way for him to approach the decision

 

[Plankton]

The way things are going right now, I wouldn't be surprised if he returns to SC for his (redshirt) junior year.

He would be foolish if he didn't come back for another year - he needs more seasoning. Talented kid, but he needs development time.

 

[TheCoolFan]

Even at his worst, he would still be a 1st rounder in 2018. It may just mean the difference between going Top-10 or mid/late 1st round. Rosen is his only competition, all the other QB prospects have just as many question marks as Darnold, if not more. Some team will take him based on potential alone

 

[mattjames2010]

Even at his worst, he would still be a 1st rounder in 2018. It may just mean the difference between going Top-10 or mid/late 1st round. Rosen is his only competition, all the other QB prospects have just as many question marks as Darnold, if not more. Some team will take him based on potential alone

It's funny, because I and others have compared him a bit to Luck. Well.....he's really looking a lot like Luck now. A player that can make every throw, nice mobility, intelligent - but someone who tries to always make magic happen that leads to turnovers.

I remember Luck's final 6 games in college he was making some stupid decisions. Especially against Oregon.

 

[Cowboysfan917]

I would love to snag this kid in the middle of the first round.

 

[reddyuta]

I dont think he is falling,NFL scouts look for certain things and Darnold ticks all the boxes with aplomb.His main problem is he makes some really questionable throws which wont be a huge problem in the pros.

 

[mattjames2010]

I dont think he is falling,NFL scouts look for certain things and Darnold ticks all the boxes with aplomb.His main problem is he makes some really questionable throws which wont be a huge problem in the pros.

Looks like they may have an emergence of a true #2 WR, this should help Darnold. But USC is having Darnold throw a lot of high risk throws as well, I believe Dilfer said it "USC runs a lot of big boy routes and Darnold has to make big boy throws"

Big play offense that leads to turnovers - and at times, Darnold has to be pinpoint accurate. Hard to judge him on the level he was last year, that was magical. But he's still really raw in some areas.

 

[bodi]

NEEDs to go back school eap if Cleveland has the no 1 pick

 

[Sydla]

Interesting two games coming up for him - Utah and @ND.

 

[mattjames2010]

Great game from him tonight, especially in the second half. He has a clutch gene in him.

 

[Cowboysfan917]

Great game from him tonight, especially in the second half. He has a clutch gene in him.

As bad as I would like to have him, I just don't see the team making the move unless Dak totally imploded

 

[Aven8]

Been saying this all season. He's got a lot of work to do.

 

[JeffInDC]

Great game from him tonight, especially in the second half. He has a clutch gene in him.

You slay me. I would’ve LOVED to see your response to Dak winning a game where he threw 50 passes at a little over a 50% completion rate, had 3 TD passes BUT fumbled 3 times (all lost). I’m sure it wouldn’t have been this glowing.

 

[mattjames2010]

You slay me. I would’ve LOVED to see your response to Dak winning a game where he threw 50 passes at a little over a 50% completion rate, had 3 TD passes BUT fumbled 3 times (all lost). I’m sure it wouldn’t have been this glowing.

Irrelevant.

If Dak played stronger in the second half, I'd praise him. Mistakes in the first half aren't as problematic as those in the second. Nice try.

NEXT!