Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is on the right track when discussing his former team

In 2018, the New York Jets needed a franchise quarterback but didn't have the team or coaching staff to support one. Still, they traded with the Indianapolis Colts and secured the third overall pick in a quarterback-heavy draft that year.

They would sign one of five quarterbacks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold.

This class proved to be one of the best in recent history, producing Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Sam Darnold played well and could join the success stories of this class. However, like Mayfield, Darnold had to find success somewhere other than where he was drafted.

Darnold was asked about his former team before Sunday's game and answered rather humbly: “No. I think I had a lot of opportunities in New York. I always felt like I could have played better there.”

It's true that he was presented with opportunities, but the circumstances were far from ideal. At the moment he has Kevin O'Connell; back then he had Adam Gase. His top receiver was Quincy Enunwa; he now has Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The circumstances were less than ideal, but that doesn't mean Darnold doesn't hold himself accountable.

This attitude, as well as the coaching staff and experienced players around him, explain why he was able to stick with it and ultimately make a breakthrough.