Giants impressed by Darnold, but don't have buyer's remorse

In an alternate universe, Sam Darnold would have been wearing blue Friday night, locking up the starting job for the Giants and turning Jets fans green with envy.

Back in reality, Big Blue got an up-close look on what they passed on last April — they chose running back Saquon Barkley second overall instead — and while the Giants didn’t express regret, they remained impressed by the rookie quarterback they could have had.

“He made the correct reads, he made the correct plays,” safety Landon Collins said after the Giants beat the Jets 22-16 at MetLife Stadium. “He did a good job.”

Darnold, the third overall pick in the draft from USC, played well, leading the Jets on a pair of first-half touchdown drives and completing 8-of-16 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. He also had an impressive 14-yard scramble to convert a first down and didn’t commit a turnover for the second time in three preseason games, likely sewing up the Jets’ starting job in the process.

“I think he did a great job,” outside linebacker Olivier Vernon said. “Just got to see how he does throughout the season. I think he’s got a bright future.”

Darnold, missing starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum (foot), was never sacked despite facing a heavy rush, showcasing his keen pocket presence and mobility. The highlight of the evening for him was a 12-yard touchdown pass to Terrelle Pryor when Darnold surveyed the field and found the receiver on a crossing pattern. It was an example of his poise, the young quarterback working through his progressions and delivering an accurate pass.

“He was pretty fluid in the pocket, he made some good reads down the field and he got out of the pocket when he needed to,” defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson said. “He kept his calm for the most part. He didn’t get frustrated out there when things didn’t go his way. He looked like he’s played a couple games so far.”

Sill, the Giants wouldn’t second-guess the route they chose. The Giants are happy to have Barkley, who missed the game with a strained left hamstring but has drawn rave reviews from teammates and coaches alike, rather than Darnold.

“We made the right decision,” Collins said. “I feel like we needed a running back, we got a good running back and we made a great choice.”

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