New York Jets left tackle Kelvin Beachum says rookie quarterback Sam Darnold needs to “get hit in the mouth first.” Unfortunately, with the current state of the team’s O-line, that’s exactly what’ll happen.
It’s funny. All is well and things are beautiful this time of year as it concerns all 32 NFL organizations. Such is especially the case for the New York Jets who believe they’ve welcomed in that long-awaited true franchise quarterback.
But not everybody is bending the knee so quickly as it pertains to the savior, Sam Darnold.
Jets left tackle Kelvin Beachum will hold back praise until he sees the USC product get roughed up a bit first, via Darryl Slater of NJ.com.
“Man, I’m one of those guys: Until you get hit in the mouth, I don’t know what you’ve got yet,” he said. “And he ain’t been hit in the mouth by an NFL defensive lineman. So when that time comes, we’ll see.”
Luckily for Beachum’s cause yet unfortunately for the health of the Jets new prized employee, it’ll happen sooner rather than later.
The Jets O-line relented 47 sacks a season ago. Only six NFL teams gave up more.
In fact, Beachum, a man who’s been cast aside by two different organizations (the extremely meticulous Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars), has left two situations that improved since his departure.
Take a quick glance at the Jags. With Beachum two years ago, the organization finished 22nd in the league in rushing. Without Beachum and instead, rookie Cam Robinson in his stead, the organization skyrocketed to first in the league on the ground while showcasing an O-line that rivals the best in the game (i.e. Dallas Cowboys).
Make no mistake, Beachum isn’t a villain per this situation. He’s approaching it as realistically as possible.
“I’ve heard that he is a great person,” Beachum said Tuesday. “I’m excited to get him in that room.”
Still, it’s quite ironic Beachum is holding out opinion until his own poor play allows Sam Darnold’s opinion to take form.
The New York Jets haven’t selected an offensive lineman over the last two NFL Drafts and under Mike Maccagnan’s watch, have only snagged a total of two in 28 overall picks.
We’ll find out very quickly how Sam Darnold reacts after getting hit in the mouth.