When Aaron Rodgers strolled into the Jets locker room, it felt like a franchise reset. A four-time MVP, known for clutch throws and two-minute magic, Rodgers carried real swagger. Even Aaron Glenn might’ve started sketching out playoff scenarios in his head. The hype wasn’t just media smoke—it was real. But the promise quickly faded. After just four games, Rodgers suffered a devastating Achilles tear. He didn’t get the chance to put up the kind of numbers or make the signature plays everyone expected. Instead, the season ended abruptly, leaving the Jets’ quarterback chart unsettled once again.
Once recovered, Rodgers was ready to lead again; he had committed fully to the team. Flying across the country “on his own dime,” he showed up ready. But the Jets’ decision to move on from him left Rodgers feeling blindsided. In interviews, he expressed a mix of hurt and confusion: “I was kind of shocked. Not shocked because I didn’t think it was a possibility.” He continued, “You could have told me over the phone.” First, he was left without any support system and expected to pull W’s on his own, and then he was left alone. For a player used to being in control on the field, the sudden cutoff came as a sharp, unexpected blow off it.
This wasn’t the first time a talented quarterback had faced challenges with the Jets. Sam Darnold, drafted third overall in 2018, provides a behind-the-scenes peek into the Jets-Rodger drama. When USA Today Sports host Mackenzie Salmon asked Darnold about supporting QBs like himself and Rodgers, she hit on a key question: “We saw this last season with Aaron Rodgers…it was even tough to get it right with him. So, do you feel like it’s a foundational thing when it comes to supporting talented quarterbacks like yourself with that franchise? What do you think it is?”
Darnold’s response was thoughtful, reflecting on his own tough experience without casting blame: “It’s kind of what everyone’s trying to figure out… Franchises all over the NFL are still trying to figure it out… So to sit here and act like I know everything about it, like I’m not going to pretend to do that.” But he made one thing clear: “I definitely think it’s important to have good people, good players around the quarterback… offensive line, running backs, receivers, a good defense… and then having good coaching is always really important as well, having really good scheme.” After all, QBs can not carry the team towards major wins on their own.
When Darnold started his Jets career, it wasn’t the most stable setup. He shared a similar story to Rodgers—one of raw talent meeting a chaotic environment. Coaches changed frequently—from Todd Bowles to Adam Gase—and the offensive line struggled to protect him. He didn’t get handed a smooth ride. Instead, he had to figure out a lot on his own while trying to grow into the role. For both Rodgers and Darnold, it wasn’t just about their talent. It was about being in a system that hadn’t yet figured out how to build a strong foundation around its quarterback.
Wearing a Jets jersey might be one of the toughest challenges for Darnold, but all that seems to have changed ever since he put on the signature blue jersey of Mike Macdonald’s team.
From chaos to chemistry: How Mike Macdonald flipped Sam Darnold’s script
Darnold’s time with the Seattle Seahawks feels like a breath of fresh air. In an interview, Sam Darnold didn’t hold back when praising the support system that head coach Mike Macdonald has built for his players. Sam noted that Macdonald brings “such a great energy about him.” He added that the coach “really knows ball, too.” The 27-year-old QB especially praised how Macdonald dives deep into the details of game situations.
He highlighted how important it is to understand the coach’s mindset. Sam explained, “That’s the biggest thing that you want to get a feel for the head coach with is kind of what we’re thinking in certain situations like late in two-minute drives, like when are we going to, you know, when are we going to bang a timeout?” This gives fans a rare glimpse inside the Seahawks’ war room. It shows the thoughtful approach Macdonald takes to coaching.
Sam’s appreciation for the environment extends beyond just the coaching. He expressed genuine enthusiasm for coming to work every day. He said, “just every single day I’m just looking forward to coming into work every day and that’s that’s all you can really ask for.” It’s clear that the positive culture and structure of the Seahawks have made a meaningful impact on his outlook. It also shapes his daily experience as a player.
Mike Macdonald had instilled one core value in the team in his first head coach meeting. The mantra can be summed “Don’t Just Learn the Scheme — Learn Each Other.” This philosophy goes beyond X’s and O’s. It encourages players to build trust and understanding with one another. It’s an approach that seems to resonate strongly with Sam and the Seahawks’ locker room. Overall, Sam Darnold’s current chapter with the Seahawks reflects a refreshing shift in his career. He is supported by a detailed, thoughtful coaching staff. That’s not all! He is also surrounded by a tight-knit team. Darnold appears to be thriving in an environment that feels more stable, connected, and inspiring than anything he’s experienced before.
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