Sam Darnold against the Falcons: first reader

Let's take a look at the throws made by Sam Darnold in his first practice of Thursday's pre-season game against the Atlanta Falcons.

2nd and 6th; NYJ 38

Thanks to Chris Herndon's motion, Darnold is probably able to decipher the presumption of men's coverage.

A linebacker follows Herndon in both directions to inform the players of the cover.

Also note that the Jets featuring Quincy Enunwa and Jamison Crowder are at the bottom of the photo. Desmond Trufant has Enunwa in the man cover, but the squad requires him to play with a big cushion. Otherwise, it could get caught in the traffic.

Trufant's positioning makes him vulnerable to Enunwa, who is making an interrupted route. That's exactly what Enunwa does.

The Falcons have a security hiding in the middle of the field to help on that road, but Darnold just has to wait for Enunwa to clear him.

The end result is a 15-yard finish.

1st and 10th; ATL 47

This piece is really just Darnold doing something from nothing. Robby Anderson is whitened on this piece by Isaiah Oliver.

Oliver has a blanket on the top so Darnold throws just behind the corner.

Anderson shoots in the pass for a 21-yard gain.

Darnold throws Anderson open here. I often say that one of the biggest distinctions between the middle quarters and the elite quarters is what happens when there is nothing. The middle quarters are able to take what the defense gives them. If the cover call leaves an open receiver, an average quarter will complete the pass. Elite quarterbacks create their own games even when the defense gives them little. A play like this is an example.

1st and 10th; ATL 12

The Jets have something that works at the top of the photo. Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder are performing a combination of route that will create traffic for the cover users and eventually leave Crowder open in the end zone.

However, Darnold is unable to look in that direction. Chuma Edoga loses against Vic Beasley, forcing Darnold to give up the pocket.

I will now go back to presuming here because the alignment of the Jets creates a favorable agreement. Chris Herndon is split as an outdoor catcher, while Quincy Enunwa is in the slot.

The Falcons play the man blanket. The decision to have Trufant take Herndon and security Keanu Neal to Enunwa. The Enunwa match is a good match for the Jets. The wide receiver against security promotes the offense. The Falcons have probably wanted to avoid placing Neal face Herndon where he would play essentially as an outside corner. Security interests are generally not comfortable with this. In exchange for this comfort, however, the Falcons end up with a wide receiver against a security. Herndon's receiving skill should allow the Jets to exploit it frequently throughout the season.

Enunwa ends up having a step on Neal.

However, the pressure on Darnold forces his shot to be a little out of reach, and Enunwa can not carry him.

In the end, the game has not been successful, but I see a lot of things going on here, from the game design to the awesome game created by the predefined alignment on Darnold, avoiding what could have been a bag easy and almost perfect touch. This game was lost because Edoga lost his assignment, but it's a beginner who is not supposed to see the field once real games have started.

3rd and 4th; ATL 6

This third game is simple. It's a simple cross between Anderson and Enunwa to create traffic on the goal line.

Darnold hits Anderson who slips Enunwa for a 5-yard gain and a first try.

When executed correctly, it is very difficult to prevent an offense from harvesting a few meters in a game like this. The quarterback is not asked to do a lot of heavy work either. For these reasons, it's a good game. Third and short in the red zone.

My only problem is that Enunwa is a much more difficult receiver to master, so I think he should have the role of pass receiver with a wet head. This game resulted in a first try, but the physical appearance of Enunwa after the shot would have increased the chances of a touchdown.