Sam Darnold has sided with Adam Gase through thick and thin this season, but one video from the end of the Jets’ 42-21 loss to the Ravens shows the quarterback looking awfully frustrated with his head coach.
Darnold and Gase exchanged words on the sideline after Darnold failed to connect with wide receiver Jamison Crowder on fourth-and-1 with 4:06 left in the game, effectively ending the game. Whatever Gase said to Darnold, the quarterback wasn’t having it and appeared visibility frustrated with his coach.
It’s hard to tell what was said, but the body language, facial expressions and hand motions say it all. Even back-up quarterback David Fales looks shocked by whatever was said.
Darnold has been a staunch supporter of Gase’s throughout the Jets’ tumultuous season. When CEO and Chairman Christopher Johnson announced Gase would return in 2020, Darnold called it “absolutely amazing.” Darnold continued to say nothing but good things about the offense and how it’s evolved since Gase took over and actually looked well at times Thursday night despite playing against a superior Ravens defense. Though it wasn’t his best game — Darnold finished with 218 passing yards, two touchdowns and two turnovers — he played well enough to give the Jets a fighting chance throughout the game.
But after the turnover on downs and subsequent conversation, it’s impossible to tell how Darnold feels about Gase. It could easily just be two frustrated people having an animated conversation. Or, it could be something more that could affect their relationship down the line.
