Sam Darnold’s NFL career can only get better after this pick-six on his very first throw

Better luck next time!

Welcome to the NFL Sam Darnold!

On the first play of Darnold’s Jets career, disaster struck. He pulled a big no-no and threw the ball all the way across his body. The hang time on the throw allowed the newly paid Quandre Diggs to snag it for the easy pick-six.

The pass was so outrageous that even the chain gang got in on the fun a bit. ESPN’s camera crew caught a candid smile from one of the chain guys as Diggs ran in for the score.

Darnold joins some good company, though

Darnold joins Jameis Winston as recent quarterback talents to throw a pick-six on their first career pass. The last player to do it before Winston was Brett Favre during his rookie year with the Atlanta Falcons. Could be worse company to be in. Chin up, kid.

Darnold is the youngest quarterback to ever start a game in the Super Bowl era at just 21 years and 97 days old — a turnover this ridiculous looking is likely a youthful mistake. Darnold also led the NCAA in turnovers last season with 22 at USC, so starting the game like this isn’t too out of character for him.

Darnold still has a bright future

Hopefully the rest of the game isn’t as chaotic for Darnold. He’s a talented player and prospect, and Jets fans should still be hopeful for the future — it was just a bad start. The Jets were comfortable trading up for him and trading away Teddy Bridgewater after an awesome preseason, so it’s going to be Sam Darnold show through the peaks and valleys.

The Jets traded up to draft Darnold with the No. 3 pick and his performance throughout the offseason was legitimately good enough to win the starting job. We’ve seen him play well before. This is nothing to worry about.

Either way, this is one hell of an opening for Darnold and the Jets. Thankfully, Darnold bounced back with a touchdown pass on his second drive.