Darnold takes responsibility for Jets' tough loss
Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold shouldered the blame Thursday night after the New York Jets surrendered a 14-point lead and fell 21-17 to the Cleveland Browns.
"From my point of view, I just have to play better, simple as that," Darnold said, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "It's not acceptable, the way I played. I know that, and I have to take it like a man. I feel like I'm responsible for some of the stagnant offense we had. I just have to play better, that's it."
Darnold threw interceptions on the Jets' final two offensive possessions, ending any hope of a late comeback and raising his total to five for the season. The No. 3 overall pick completed under 50 percent of his throws and finished the night with a 38.2 quarterback rating. He was thoroughly outplayed by No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.
"I felt really comfortable throughout the whole game," Darnold said. "I just made stupid mistakes in the fourth quarter and missed opportunities throughout the whole game."
After an efficient debut against the Detroit Lions, Darnold has thrown one touchdown and four picks over his last two contests.
"I thought he competed his butt off yesterday," Jets head coach Todd Bowles said Friday morning of Darnold, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. "Yesterday was one of his better games from a mental standpoint, toughness standpoint, and grit standpoint. ... I thought he grew a lot last night."
The Browns picked up their first win of the campaign - and in 635 days - with the victory. The Jets, meanwhile, dropped their second decision in three outings.
Darnold and the Jets will look to rebound in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.