Sam Darnold

San Francisco last season saw their Super Bowl hopes derailed by injuries at the game's most important position, literally running out of healthy players at quarterback in their NFC Championship Game defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.

That game saw Brock Purdy suffer a torn elbow ligament on the first offensive series for the 49ers. Josh Johnson was then concussed in the second half.

Purdy, the final pick in last year's draft, had previously improbably led the 49ers to the Conference Championship.

He won all five of his starts in the regular season after taking over from an injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13 to lift them to a 13-4 record and the second seed in the NFC, and he then helped San Francisco to playoff victories over the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys.

Purdy last week had surgery to repair his torn ligament, giving 2021 third overall pick Trey Lance, whose season-ending ankle injury suffered in Week 2 forced the Niners to turn to Garoppolo, a chance to stake his claim for the starting job during the offseason programme.

Yet with Garoppolo departing in free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, the 49ers needed an experienced third-stringer, and they have turned to 2018 third overall pick Darnold.

Darnold has failed to live up to his draft slot in spells with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, though he did go 4-2 as a starter for the latter in 2022.

That relative success came with Steve Wilks serving as interim head coach. Wilks has since replaced new Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans as San Francisco's defensive coordinator.

In 2022, Darnold delivered an accurate, well-thrown ball on 83.2 per cent of his pass attempts, 13th among quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts, according to Stats Perform data.

Those are encouraging numbers, but the 49ers will hope Purdy and Lance can display the durability to ensure Darnold is not asked to replicate that level of accuracy in 2023.

Mayfield and Sam Darnold continue to battle for the starting job in Carolina.

The pair are each expected to play one series on Saturday before turning over the bulk of the game to P.J. Walker and rookie Matt Corral. 

Mayfield getting the first chance on Saturday could be an indication that he has the inside track to the starting job, but the competition remains open. 

Head coach Matt Rhule has called the quarterback competition an "ongoing process", and it would be no surprise if the Panthers used the entire preseason to evaluate before naming a starter. 

"When we know, we know," Rhule said. "If we knew for sure, we would say it and just move on with it. When we, we know.

"Every day brings new evidence. Every day brings new insights. 

"But at the same time, they're both competitors. If one guy has a strong day, the next guy fights back the next day.

"I think it's been healthy for our team. It's been healthy for the staff. I think it's been done the right way. I'm pleased with where it's at."

The Panthers open the regular season on September 11 against the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield's former team. 

The two signal-callers will be forever linked as the top two quarterbacks taken in the 2018 draft, with Mayfield going first overall and Darnold being chosen third. 

Darnold spent three seasons with the New York Jets before being traded to the Panthers for draft picks last April. He won his first three starts with Carolina last season before finishing 4-7 with nine touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. 

Mayfield started 59 career games for the Browns, and his efficient play in 2020 helped lead Cleveland to their first playoff victory since the 1994 season. 

Mayfield's injury-marred 2021 campaign was a letdown, however, and the Browns chose to pursue Deshaun Watson in the trade market. 

Tipped by many to make the Super Bowl this year, the Bills endured an underwhelming start in defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a 35-0 success in Miami got them back on track.

Buffalo benefited from Tagovailoa's departure early in the game, as he had to be carted back to the locker room after a hit from A.J. Epenesa when he attempted a short-range pass on fourth down.

By that point, the second-year Dolphins quarterback had been sacked twice on a three-and-out opening drive before seeing Devin Singletary run 46 yards for the Bills' first touchdown.

Josh Allen threw to Stefon Diggs for a second score, but Buffalo failed to add to their advantage in the remainder of a chaotic first half, epitomised by Levi Wallace's pick from back-up Miami QB Jacoby Brissett moments after receiving a penalty for taunting.

Allen found his range again at the start of the third quarter as Dawson Knox made a low catch in the end zone – this the QB's seventh consecutive start against the Dolphins with multiple TD passes. Only Philip Rivers (against the Houston Texans) had previously enjoyed such a run against a single team.

Miami were never in the game thereafter and Zack Moss added a pair of rushing scores with two bruising runs, the second after Allen was called just short.

Super Cooper rescues Rams

NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers survived scares against the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles respectively, each coming through to move to 2-0.

The Rams were grateful to Cooper Kupp for his nine catches for 163 yards and two TDs – following 108 yards and a score last week – after a botched snap for a punt had gifted the Colts their first lead early in the fourth quarter. Carson Wentz ended the game on the sideline.

Wilson woeful for Jets

Zach Wilson's home debut for the New York Jets was a miserable one as he threw four interceptions in a defeat to the New England Patriots.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals paid the price for Joe Burrow's three interceptions from three consecutive passes – including a pick six – against the Chicago Bears, who were not punished for a shaky Justin Fields display after Andy Dalton's injury.

Wilson's Jets predecessor Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards, two TDs and a pick in the Carolina Panthers' win over the New Orleans Saints.

The Browns made the short trip to Cincinnati with Peoples-Jones back from a groin injury and in the lineup after fellow receiver Beckham was released at the end of a week that began with his father criticising quarterback Mayfield.

Beckham had underwhelmed this year since his return to fitness and his absence certainly was not felt on Sunday as Cleveland moved to 5-4 in a big AFC North matchup.

Before Mayfield came to the fore, though, Burrow endured a miserable start. Moments after a penalty reprieve when he was sacked on third and goal, the Bengals QB threw straight to Browns cornerback Denzel Ward on the goal line, covering Ja'Marr Chase and racing away for a 99-yard defensive TD.

Joe Mixon replied with the first of his two rushing scores, but Nick Chubb battled through contact to finish Cleveland's first drive with a TD, which Peoples-Jones added to as he caught Mayfield's first target to a wideout.

Long scores were the name of the day for the Browns, as Chubb's second saw him go 70 yards to score in the third quarter.

Burrow, who had scored three TDs in each of his previous three games, tying a Bengals record, was then picked off again throwing to Chase – this time by John Johnson III. Chase had earlier fumbled for a turnover of his own on a miserable day for two of Cincinnati's offensive stars.

Mayfield finished with 218 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions on 14-of-21 passing. His second TD pass to David Njoku was set up by another throw to Peoples-Jones, who had 86 yards on just two catches.

Big upsets for Boys and Bills

The Dallas Cowboys had not lost since Week 1 but have a miserable record against the Denver Broncos, who had won the teams' past six meetings – their best ever run against a single opponent and the Cowboys' worst such streak. And six became seven as the Broncos won 30-16 in Dallas, holding their hosts scoreless until the fourth quarter despite Dak Prescott's return.

The Buffalo Bills also suffered a shock defeat as they went down 9-6 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game of zero touchdowns. Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen picked, sacked and recovered a fumble from his namesake, Bills QB Josh Allen.

However, the Baltimore Ravens survived a scare, as Lamar Jackson led them back from 17-3 down to make overtime, where Justin Tucker clinched a 34-31 win. Jackson is now 12-0 as a starter against NFC opponents.

Darnold spooked again

Sam Darnold said he was "seeing ghosts" when he threw four interceptions for the New York Jets against the New England Patriots in 2019, and Bill Belichick's defense has continued to spook the quarterback. He had three picks with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and now has nine in just four career starts against New England, all four of which the Pats have won.

New England are hot on the heels of the Bills now, while AFC East rivals the Miami Dolphins snapped their seven-game losing run against the Houston Texans despite Tua Tagovailoa sitting out with a finger issue.

Darnold was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, leaving the 4-5 Panthers short under center with P.J. Walker set for his second NFL start against the Arizona Cardinals.

However, the Panthers moved quickly on Thursday to agree a deal for a free agent they know well.

Newton was released by the New England Patriots in training camp this year as Bill Belichick instead went with rookie QB Mac Jones in Foxborough.

The dual-threat QB had also been released by Carolina following the 2019 season, moving on under new coach Matt Rhule following an injury-hit year.

Newton played only two games in 2019 due to a Lisfranc fracture in Week 2, having only returned from a shoulder issue at the start of the season.

Having been the league MVP in 2015 with the Panthers, throwing 35 touchdown passes and rushing for a further 10 scores, Newton's performances with New England were rather more ordinary.

Still retaining that same athleticism, the 32-year-old had 12 rushing TDs in 2020, his most in any season since his rookie year.

But Newton was poor through the air, tossing eight TDs to 10 interceptions and moving the ball just 7.07 air yards per attempt as the Pats ranked 23rd for yards per passing play (6.06).

That might still represent an upgrade on Darnold, though, who has the Panthers 30th by the same metric this year with 5.42 yards per play.

Like Newton, Darnold has provided a threat with his legs, scoring five rushing TDs, but he has thrown only seven scores to 11 picks.

Carolina exercised Darnold's fifth-year option following his trade from the New York Jets but will now be paying former favourite Newton up to $10million to potentially fill his boots this year, according to reports. That includes $4.5m guaranteed and a $1.5m roster bonus.

Darnold is thought to have sustained the injury last Sunday as the Panthers were beaten 24-6 by the New England Patriots.

The 24-year-old picked up a shoulder problem - believed to be separate from his latest issue - and sustained a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons the previous week, but was passed fit to face the Patriots.

An MRI scan revealed an incomplete fracture on the scapula of the quarterback's right shoulder, but he played through the injury in the eventual defeat.

"You look at the second half, he obviously was playing with something," Panthers coach Matt Rhule said earlier this week.

Darnold will now be replaced by P.J. Walker, who joined the Panthers last year and is set for his second NFL start against the Arizona Cardinals.

Walker played college football at Temple and was coached by Rhule, who insisted that the 26-year-old is where he is on merit and because of the ability he has shown.

He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 but did not feature for them before eventually joining the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL two years later, before moving to Carolina in 2020.

"P.J. is here because I believe in him," Rhule said.

Panthers general manager Fitterer on Friday revealed Darnold is the frontrunner to start under center when the new campaign gets under way.

Carolina missed out on Deshaun Watson, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns last week.

That leaves Darnold and P.J. Walker as the only quarterbacks on the roster, with the 24-year-old set to get the nod.

"Sam's on the roster as I sit here right now," Fitterer said. "He's in the lead for that job. We want him to take it and run with it.

"But we're gonna add a lot of competition to that room. The whole emphasis is to stabilise the quarterback position to play winning football."

That competition could come in the form of Newton, who rejoined the Panthers last November after Darnold sustained a shoulder injury.

A former number one overall pick, Newton's return did not go to plan as Carolina lost all five games he started.

The 32-year-old threw for 684 yards and had five interceptions, but Fitterer says he is being considered by the Panthers.

"The thing with Cam, it's got to be a fit for us and it’s got to be a fit for him just as well," Fitterer said.

"He’s looking for a certain opportunity. The door's still open for us. We're very open to Cam. We'll see where it goes. He knows where we stand."

Former third overall pick Darnold joined the Panthers from the New York Jets ahead of last season but again struggled.

In 12 games, he completed just 59.9 per cent of his passes for 2,527 passing yards, only nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Darnold did just about beat out competition from the returning Cam Newton to end the year as the starter, but the Panthers have the sixth pick in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft – and a second return for Newton has not been ruled out.

However, incoming OC McAdoo seemingly announced Darnold's role for 2022 when he answered "yes" to a query as to whether he would be the starter – the sort of question other Panthers have skirted around.

The former New York Giants head coach revealed a big part of his decision to come to Carolina was to work with Darnold, yet he then acknowledged the situation could still change.

Coach Matt Rhule still has a say, McAdoo explained, but: "The way it is in the building right now, Sam is our starting quarterback."

McAdoo added: "One of the things I've been working on is being better talking to you people [media], so announcing the starting quarterback here I just put my foot in my mouth.

"That wasn't something I should have said."

The Jets moved to 0-4 with a 37-28 reverse on Thursday, piling further pressure on Gase.

The coach wore a pained expression throughout his post-game news conference and was asked directly if he had a message for those fans who want to see him fired.

"We're working to get this thing right," Gase said. "I'm not happy about this. I know we can play way better than this, I know we cannot beat ourselves and do the things we're doing."

He added: "This is what I do for a living and this is what this coaching staff does. It's the adversity of the NFL."

Gase was hamstrung by his team's ill-discipline, with the Jets committing six personal fouls on defense - including Quinnen Williams' face mask on the Broncos' Brett Rypien in the final five minutes that extended Denver's game-winning drive.

"We had multiple chances to get off the field. We hurt ourselves," an exasperated Gase explained. "The penalties were just brutal.

"We made them punt one time. We just couldn't do the right stuff. We're hitting them too late, getting personal fouls, it's ridiculous.

"When you look at it, there's 11 penalties for 118 yards. We hurt ourselves, we hurt ourselves.

"We need to get this corrected and we need to figure out what guys are going to do the right things at the right time. This is not the way that we're going to play."

The Jets' offense was little better, with Sam Darnold taking six sacks and Gase criticising the team's "one-dimensional" running game. They were also zero-for-three in the red zone.

"We had a couple of opportunities that really we missed," the coach said. "They've been a good red zone team - since Vic [Fangio] got there, they've always been a good red zone team.

"We had like one down on each attempt where we had to make that play, because that's how we're going to get in, and we didn't make that play."

Gase was not helped by a first-quarter hit on Darnold, which left his quarterback nursing a sore shoulder, although he returned to finish the game.

"The way he got thrown down, I was trying to blueprint out how the rest of the game was going to go with Joe, trying to make sure to call it right and not put him in harm's way," the coach said.

Darnold, who scored a 46-yard rushing touchdown, added: "It's fine. I'll take it day by day at this point, see what they say tomorrow [Friday]."

Newton was released by the New England Patriots in August but earned a chance with the Panthers after a shoulder injury to starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

Veteran QB Newton spent nine years with the Panthers from 2011 to 2019, winning the 2015 NFL MVP and earning three Pro-Bowl selections.

"Honestly, I'm still floating," Newton told reporters on Friday, after signing a one-year deal worth up to $10million.

He added: "This ain't for no ploy. This ain't for no ticket sales. This ain't for no Cinderella story. It's to win football games. That's pretty much what's on my heart, and that's how I'm going about it."

The Panthers released Newton in 2019 after giving him permission to seek a trade, eventually joining the Patriots as a free agent. Newton insisted there were no hard feelings from that.

"Were there disconnects in the past? It's irrelevant," Newton said. "The fact that we're able to make what may seem a lot of wrongs or some wrongs right, that's the most exciting thing about it.

"To hell with feelings. It would be the biggest right and wrong by just winning football games."

The Panthers, who are 4-5, placed Darnold on injured reserve on Friday with his shoulder injury expected to take four to six weeks to heal.

P.J. Walker will start at quarterback for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, although Newton is expected to come into starting calculations for the following week's game against the Washington Football Team.

Darnold was traded to the Panthers from the New York Jets ahead of the 2021 season, yet Carolina are potentially eyeing a quarterback in the NFL Draft and have not ruled out another return for Cam Newton.

The 24-year-old Darnold played 12 times for Carolina last season (11 starts), recording 2,527 passing yards for nine touchdowns, along with five rushing scores.

Over the past two seasons, Darnold has thrown for only 18 touchdowns but 24 interceptions, while being sacked 70 times.

But despite the Panthers perhaps wanting to upgrade, Darnold is sure of his own ability.

He told the Bussin' with the Boys podcast: "It truly is like whatever happens happens, because at the end of the day, it's out of my control, and I know that.

"I have enough security in myself to where I can be like: 'I know I'm a good quarterback. I know I can be a good quarterback in this league. I've proved it.'

"I know there's a team, if something happens, that would want me."

Darnold was drafted by the Jets as the third overall pick in 2018 but struggled to live up to his billing in New York.

He completed just 57.7 per cent of his pass attempts in his rookie season before improving slightly in a 2019 campaign in which he threw 19 TD passes and 13 interceptions.

A tough final season with the Jets was followed by Darnold being traded to the Panthers for three draft picks, including a second-round selection in 2022.

Last year, form and fitness continued to evade Darnold, who has never played more than 13 games in a season. His passer rating of 71.9 represented a miserable career low.

He did at least beat out the returning Newton for the starting job, but the former MVP could yet sign for the Panthers again.

Speaking to reporters in a videoconference on Wednesday, Douglas stated he would listen to teams inquiring about the availability of Darnold, whose future with the Jets has been under constant speculation since the team completed its 2020 season with a dismal 2-14 record.  

"I will answer the call if it's made," Douglas said. "Like I've said, Sam is, we think, a dynamic player in this league with unbelievable talent who really has a chance to hit his outstanding potential moving forward. But like I've said earlier, if calls are made, I will answer them." 

Darnold's struggles this past season, combined with the Jets being flush in cap space and owning the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, have triggered talk they are considering a change at quarterback.

Unless the Jets decide to exercise a 2022 option expected to be in the range of $25million, the 23-year-old will be entering the final year of his rookie contract. 

Even with the draft's top quarterback prospect, Trevor Lawrence, expected to land with the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first overall selection, the Jets are well-positioned to grab a new future signal-caller if they so choose.

BYU's Zach Wilson and Ohio State's Justin Fields are widely considered the next two best prospects at the position and potential top 10 picks.  

Douglas is still evaluating all his options and is in no rush to make a definitive determination on the Jets' plans. The draft is scheduled to begin on April 29. 

"We feel like we're really in no hard timeline in the immediate future to make a decision," he added.

The Jets have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Deshaun Watson should the Houston Texans grant the disgruntled quarterback's trade request.

Though New York have the draft capital and cap space to conceivably make such a move, Douglas said he would be hesitant to give up several prime assets for one player. 

"We're better positioned than we were this time last year. Our philosophy and stance has not changed, however," Douglas explained. "Our goal is to be a team that builds through the draft. 

"Ultimately for us to get to where the great teams are, the most consistent teams are, you do that through the draft. It's the most team-friendly market in sports." 

Darnold would likely add to the Jets' stockpile of prime draft picks despite a disappointing 2020 season. The third overall pick in 2018 threw 11 interceptions with only nine touchdown passes while missing four games with a shoulder injury, and his 72.7 passer rating ranked 35th among qualifying quarterbacks.  

ESPN reported last month that a number of quarterback-needy teams had contacted the Jets about Darnold, believing his struggles could be attributed to a poor supporting cast and the offense's instability under former head coach Adam Gase.  

Quarterback Darnold is suffering with a shoulder injury and backup Joe Flacco is set to make his third start of the season.

While Darnold has been listed on the final injury report as doubtful, Gase said he will not play "unless something strange happens" while the Jets confirmed Flacco was expected to start.

Darnold aggravated the issue in last week's 35-9 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, when Patrick Mahomes ran the show for the Super Bowl champions.

Mahomes threw for five touchdowns in the rout, with Darnold only 18 of 30 for 133 yards as the Jets slumped to 0-8 for the first time since 1996.

The third-year pro has gone three games without registering a touchdown pass and nine without more than 230 yards in a game.

"Obviously, he was going to do everything he could to go in this game," Gase told reporters.

"As practice went on [Friday], he felt like there were some throws he wasn't comfortable with. When he threw them, he didn't feel like he got the right velocity that he wanted on the ball."

Gase added that Darnold informed coaches "it didn't feel the way he felt it should".

"I'm glad he did that," Gase continued. "That's what I think we needed, was that communication back.

"I know it's devastating for him because he's always been able to throw the ball the way he feels he needed to, and I think [Friday] was the first time he felt it did not feel the way he wanted it to." 

Darnold, whose future with the Jets is uncertain amid speculation the team will draft Clemson star Trevor Lawrence, is yet to play a game with his three main receivers on the field.

But while Jamison Crowder (groin) and Breshad Perriman (concussion) are expected to be fit to feature on Monday, joining rookie Denzel Mims, Darnold is now set to miss out.

"I think it sucks for [Darnold]," Gase said. "He's been waiting for those three guys to be together since the beginning."

Former Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos QB Joe Flacco will be under centre at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with Darnold considered week-to-week for the 0-4 Jets.

Darnold was injured in last Thursday's 38-27 loss to the Broncos after being slammed to the ground when sacked by Denver linebacker A.J. Johnson in the first quarter.

The third-year passer came out of the offense to have his throwing shoulder assessed and was replaced by Flacco but only missed five offensive plays before returning and finishing the game.

However, Darnold has suffered an AC joint sprain and head coach Adam Gase confirmed he remains in a lot of pain and would have difficulties even practicing this week.

Flacco, a free-agent signing for the Jets this offseason, will therefore make his first start of the season having only just recovered from neck surgery.

The Super Bowl XLVII MVP is in his 13th year in the league and has thrown for over 40,000 yards, 218 touchdowns and 141 interceptions, but he has started only 17 games since the 2017 season.

Meanwhile, this is now the third straight year that Darnold has missed time after a foot injury in 2018 and a bout of mononucleosis last year.

His latest issue has come at a bad time given the Jets are assessing their former first-round pick ahead of deciding whether or not to take up his fifth-year option.

The Jets offense ranked last in yardage and 31st in points in 2019, while they are next to last in each of those categories through four weeks of the 2020 campaign.

Darnold ranks 33rd in yards per attempt (5.74), 32nd in touchdown percentage (2.2 per cent) and 31st in passer rating (70.7) among qualifying QBs in 2020.

The woeful Jets are 0-5 after Flacco played in the absence of Darnold (shoulder) in a 30-10 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals last week. 

Flacco will have another opportunity on the road against the 2-3 Dolphins, with the Jets unwilling to take any risks with their starter in a lost season. 

"There's no doubt none of us would say he's anything but tough, but we just want to make sure he's good before we put him out there," under-pressure coach Adam Gase said about Darnold, who is targeting a Week 7 return against the Buffalo Bills. 

"He is better than what he was last week. The more time you give him, the better he'll feel. He is taking the steps that we need him to take to give us an opportunity to take into next week. We'll make that decision when we get there. 

"He is doing a good job of communicating and letting us know how he feels. He's being honest in terms of his pain tolerance, his range of motion, him being able to work on his throwing motion a little bit. He's a quick healer." 

Flacco threw for 195 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions against the Cardinals, completing 18 of 33 passes. 

Between Darnold and Flacco, the Jets rank last in the NFL with their average of 176 passing yards per game. 

While there have been issues with injuries and the level of talent around him, Darnold has struggled, throwing for three TDs and four picks through the first four games before suffering an injury against the Denver Broncos. 

Per the NFL's NextGen Stats, his season completion percentage of 59.4 per cent is below its expected level, putting him third-worst in the NFL among qualifying QBs, while his passer rating (70.7) is only above that of Daniel Jones and Carson Wentz.

The offense did not get much help when the decision was made to release unsettled running back Le'Veon Bell, midway through his second season after signing a lucrative four-year contract. 

Bell had been unhappy with his usage by Gase, who has opted to continue calling plays against the Dolphins having pondered giving them up amid intense speculation over his job security. 

However, he was reluctant to go into much detail when asked to reflect on the release of Bell. 

"It's irrelevant at this point," said Gase. "It didn't work out. It didn't work out. We're going to focus on this game right now. 

"For whatever reason it didn't work out. Our team is moving forward to Miami, that's the number one concern for us right now. 

"I'm sure he'll get an opportunity somewhere else. We'll see what happens. We've got to coach better. We've got to play better. And that's really the entire team."  

A rare positive for the Jets has been the form of wide receiver Jamison Crowder, who leads the NFL with his average of 111.7 yards per game after reaching the 100-yard mark in all three games he has played. 

Crowder is averaging eight yards after the catch, 3.2 above his expected total. Only Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Chase Claypool (4.4 yards over expectation) is faring better in that category among NFL receivers.

The Jets are on the long list of teams who look foolish for passing on Jackson, and one celebrity Gang Green fan tried to convince the franchise hierarchy the former Louisville quarterback was a better option than Darnold back in 2018.

Speaking on the Michael Kay Show on WEPN-FM 98.7 ESPN New York, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David revealed he told then Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan to draft Jackson.

Maccagnan's response was not a positive one.

"I did call Mike Maccagnan before the 2018 draft and I recommended that he draft Lamar Jackson. I have a witness," David said.

"He kinda gave me the most condescending... he laughed at me. But, who can blame him?"

Darnold has a career record of 11-15 in his 26 games for the Jets. He has completed 59.9 per cent of his passes for 5,889 yards, 36 touchdowns and 28 interceptions, having missed much of the 2019 campaign due to a bout of mononucleosis.

Jackson, meanwhile, is 19-3 as a starter with the Ravens, who face the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday. 

He threw for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions in the regular season, while also breaking Michael Vick's single-season quarterback rushing record by running for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Ravens are two wins away from the Super Bowl while the Jets are once again watching from home. David may be known for his comic genius, but perhaps Maccagnan should have taken him seriously.

Mayfield threw two interceptions in Sunday's 26-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, finishing with a season-low passer rating of 61.9.

Under Mayfield's leadership, the Panthers have managed a league-low 262.3 yards per game this season, as well as recording the NFL's third-least passing yards per contest.

Mayfield, who joined the Panthers from the Cleveland Browns in the offseason, and incumbent Sam Darnold had a prolonged battle to be the side's starting quarterback in the preseason, with the 2018 NFL Draft top overall pick eventually given the nod by head coach Matt Rhule.

Rhule insisted that a change at quarterback was "not right to speak on" after Sunday's game before backing Mayfield in midweek amid mounting criticism.

Mayfield said the criticism was "completely fair" but was bullish he could get the Panthers back on track, starting with Sunday's clash against the San Francisco 49ers, who boast the NFL's best defense.

"I pride myself on being a guy that elevates the guys around him and being able to lead at an extremely high level,'' Mayfield told reporters on Wednesday.

"Obviously, that has not happened yet. I'm working really hard on that and it starts with me just doing my job the very best I can and going from there. Yeah, I take a lot of blame for that and I consistently will.

"I've been here before. I'm pretty comfortable in this position, so I have experience at being able to bounce back, being able to handle things the right way and to lead. For me, we'll be just fine."

Mayfield got testy with one reporter who asked about the batted passes on Wednesday, retorting twice: "If you have a drill for me, let me know."

The Panthers' QB's 2022 completion percentage is a career-low 54.7 per cent, but Rhule labelled him as "elitely resilient".

"You don't go from unrecruited out of college to Heisman Trophy to first pick of the draft without having tremendous self-confidence," Rhule said. "Baker, he's been through a lot already as a player. I have no concerns about his resilience.''

Mayfield's likely replacement would be Darnold, who is yet to come back off injured reserve after suffering an ankle sprain in Carolina's preseason. Darnold started at quarterback 11 times for the Panthers last season, going 4-7 after joining in a trade from the New York Jets.

Mayfield – the Browns' first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft – was traded to the Panthers last month after Cleveland had moved for Watson.

But when the Panthers play the Browns in Week 1, Watson will be absent, following news of his suspension by the league on Monday.

Former US district judge Sue L. Robinson advised the NFL that Watson should be banned for six games with no additional fine following a disciplinary hearing.

Watson faced 24 civil lawsuits following sexual assault and misconduct allegations. He was not charged by two grand juries and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

The NFL could yet appeal that decision and pursue a longer suspension, but both the Browns and the NFLPA have accepted the punishment.

Jacoby Brissett will instead fill in until late October, but that is of no interest to Mayfield, who told reporters: "Honestly, it's none of my business.

"I don't play against the other quarterback. I know that's the most cliched thing to say, but that's just the truth.

"When it comes down to it, I'm game-planning against their defense, and if I'm playing or not, I'm trying to help this team win. That's my mindset going into it, so I've got to keep getting better.

"But I'm not focused about Week 1 right now. We'll handle that when it comes, but for now it's about getting the Panthers better and our offense continuing to get better as well."

Indeed, there is no guarantee Mayfield will be starting either, as he faces competition from Darnold – the third overall pick in the same 2018 draft – for the starting spot.

Mayfield is happy with how that tussle has been treated by his new team, though.

"Everything has been extremely transparent," he said. "They're telling us exactly how they're handling it.

"It's not being said to one person and Sam hears another thing; it's right there in front of us and clear and concise."

The Panthers are sending the Jets three draft picks – a sixth-rounder this year, plus second and fourth round selections in 2022. 

New York has the second overall pick in the April 29 draft, and will almost certainly nab a quarterback with hopes he can be the franchise’s answer at QB and lead the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 after Darnold never lived up to expectations. 

The Jets moved up three spots to select Darnold with the third pick of the 2018 draft, but the former USC star struggled with consistency at the pro level. 

In 38 career starts for the Jets, he went 13-25 while throwing for 45 touchdown passes and 39 interceptions with a 59.8 completion percentage and a 78.6 quarterback rating. 

He had some encouraging performances – but not nearly enough, with only four 300-yard passing games. He threw for fewer than 200 yards in exactly half of his 38 starts, and only had 13 games with multiple TD passes. 

This past season was especially disappointing, with more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (nine) while averaging 184.0 passing yards per game with a 72.7 passer rating – the worst among the 36 QBs with a minimum of 200 pass attempts. 

While Darnold can be blamed for some of New York’s offensive struggles, he wasn’t surrounded by many star players. The Jets, who have had two head coaches and two different offensive systems in Darnold’s three years with the team, haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2015 (Chris Ivory) – the same season the franchise last had a 1,000-yard receiver (Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker). 

The offensive line has also been shaky, as Darnold was sacked on 8.8 per cent of passing plays last season, the third-worst mark in the league among QBs with at least 200 attempts. 

Darnold now joins a Panthers team that has Teddy Bridgewater, who has two years remaining on a three-year, $63 million contract he signed in 2020. 

Bridgewater had 15 TD passes and 11 interceptions in going 4-11 as a starter last season for Carolina.

Having won his seventh ring in his first season with the Bucs playing in front of at best sparsely populated crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic, Brady and Tampa Bay claimed a 31-29 victory in front of a packed house at Raymond James Stadium.

While the return of fans and full stadiums will give this season a different look, once more it is the Bucs and the Kansas City Chiefs who go into the year as the teams to beat.

However, there are a host of other high-profile teams who could be set to improve on their 2020 win-loss records, as well as those who could be poised to decline from postseason contention.

With the help of Stats Perform data, here are some of the more intriguing teams to keep eye on as the NFL makes its much anticipated return.

With Dak back, Cowboys hope to contend

A gruesome ankle injury suffered by Dak Prescott in Week 5 ended Dallas' hopes of challenging last season.

As it turned out, further injuries on the offensive line and a miserable defense would have made it tough for the Cowboys to contend even if Prescott had been on the field to lead the offense, as their wait for a first Super Bowl since 1995 goes on.

But Prescott is back with the security of a lucrative new contract as Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup remain part of an explosive supporting cast and he delivered a compelling reminder of his upside in defeat to Tampa Bay, throwing for 403 yards, three touchdowns and an interception off the hands of Lamb.

Prescott has averaged 8.26 yards per attempt over the last two seasons, third best among NFL QBs, and there are huge hopes for the offense, particularly if the highly rated Lamb (74 catches for 935 yards in 2020) can kick on from a fine rookie season. Despite Lamb's drop leading to a turnover, the early signs were good as he caught seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, helping Prescott average 6.95 yards per attempt and post a 101.4 passer rating.

If new Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn can get the defense – which allowed 158.8 rushing yards per game last season (31st in the NFL) but just 52 against the Bucs - somewhere towards the middle of the pack, the Cowboys should soar well clear of their 6-10 mark from 2020 and will be justified favourites to win the NFC East.

Pats look to pressure Bills in AFC East

The Bills and Josh Allen were so good last season that they may decline from their 13-3 mark even without doing too much wrong.

Allen made an astonishing leap from year two to three – posting career highs in passing yards (3,089 to 4,544), passing touchdowns (20 to 37) and completion percentage (58.8 to 69.2), plus eight rushing scores - and was rewarded with a huge offseason contract extension.

Allen's numbers and rate of improvement are hard to sustain, and even a marginal decline could lead to a worse record in a competitive division.

Stefon Diggs was incredible with league-leading figures of 127 catches and 1,535 receiving yards, while Cole Beasley (82 catches for 967 yards) was a crucial complementary piece.

Allen and Diggs played all 16 games last season while Beasley only missed one, so there was good fortune on the health front, while the Bills were able to win close games last season – boasting a 5-1 record in one-score contests – a metric that often reverts to the mean.

Their divisional rivals, meanwhile, look threatening. The New England Patriots have spent big in free agency to revamp the supporting cast for rookie QB Mac Jones.

New England's tight end situation has been among the league's worst since the departure of Rob Gronkowski, but they doubled down at the position to land Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.

Henry ranks sixth among tight ends with 1,265 yards since the start of the 2019 season, while only five TEs have more than the 11 TDs grabbed by the athletic Smith over that period.

Wide receiver Nelson Agholor arrived after a career year (896 yards) for the Las Vegas Raiders as the pass-catching options were significantly boosted.

A down year for the Patriots – in which their offensive weapons looked woeful and several defensive players opted out - still produced a not disastrous 7-9 record, with four of those losses coming by eight points or fewer.

The Miami Dolphins (3-4 in one score games) are another ascending team in the division after going 10-6 and allowing only 21.1 points per game (ried-fifth in the NFL).

Even the New York Jets, buoyed after selecting BYU QB Zach Wilson at number two overall, look poised to be more competitive than their 2-14 misery a season ago.

From worst to (somewhere nearer) first?

Trevor Lawrence has been billed as a generational talent at QB and there were few questions he would be selected at number one overall in the draft.

With Lawrence being paired with college coaching great Urban Meyer and an intriguing array of pass-catchers including Laviska Shenault (691 scrimmage yards, five TDs last year) and D. J. Chark (1,714 receiving yards since 2019), the Jags could be set for rapid improvement.

Even in their awful season that led to the chance to select Lawrence at the top of the draft, the Jags were 1-6 in one score games and slightly better than their 1-15 record suggested.

By the same metric, divisional rivals the Indianapolis Colts (5-2) and the Tennessee Titans (7-2) claimed many of their victories in close games.

With the Colts negotiating some uncertainty at QB as they look to revive the career of Carson Wentz – who is dealing with a foot injury – and the Houston Texans in disarray and full rebuild mode, the Jags could emerge as surprise challengers to the Titans.

Other teams who could rise and fall

Other teams who look likely to ascend include the San Francisco 49ers (6-10), who were ravaged with injuries last season and now have two viable options at QB with Jimmy Garoppolo and exciting draft pick Trey Lance. Five of their losses last season came by one score or less despite a depleted roster. 

The Denver Broncos (5-11)  have a stacked roster with their only concerns coming at the QB position, where they hope Teddy Bridgewater can provide more stability than the volatile Drew Lock (16 TDs and 15 INTs in 2020), despite coming off a poor season with the Carolina Panthers, who opted to replace him with Sam Darnold.

The New Orleans Saints (12-4) could be trending in the opposite direction, though. While Drew Brees was not at his peak in his final NFL season, a combination of Jameis Wilson and Taysom Hill must now try to replace the future Hall of Famer while keeping pace with the formidable Bucs and an Atlanta Falcons team that has added dynamic tight end Kyle Pitts.

New Orleans' offseason was defined by a roster overhaul enforced by the Saints' salary cap woe, leaving them with a wide receiver depth chart that looks alarming with Michael Thomas (missed nine games in 2020) starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.