Kyle Shanahan: Sam Darnold Could Be The Next Steve Young

Kyle Shanahan: Sam Darnold Could Be The Next Steve Young

Is Kyle Shanahan capable of saving Sam Darnold?

Two things can be true: Darnold has underachieved based on the expectations he had coming into the league. He’s also been put in awful situations to start his NFL career. When you’re drafted by the dysfunctional Jets and Adam Gase is your head coach, it’s just something that’s really hard to overcome.

Shanahan remains a Darnold believer. The 49ers head coach is suggesting that Darnold could become the next Steve Young.

“I mean, Steve Young took a while to get going, and he’s one of the best quarterbacks of all time,” Shanahan said. “I don’t like to compare anyone to Steve, cause of how good he is, but why can’t Sam be like that? He’s got that type of ability. He is that type of person. And I’m just pumped that we could get a talented guy like him here.”

Steve Young is a pretty high bar considering the guy is inducted into the Hall of Fame. I do, however, believe Darnold can revive his career with San Francisco. Darnold has talent. That was evident years ago. He’s just an idiot on the field at times and never got that linebacker mentality out of him. In San Francisco, Darnold has a real chance. This is the best spot he’s been in by a wide margin.

More than anything, I think these comments indicate that Darnold is going to be the back up in San Fran. Trey Lance is going to be the third stringer. Shanahan clearly thinks highly of Darnold and it wouldn’t be surprised if he gets pushed into game action eventually.

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