“Sam Darnold just continues to play at a massively high level that is really fun to watch,” O’Connell said.
Darnold credited Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris for designing the blitz by safety Justin Simmons.
“They brought a really good pressure that got home, and I was able to kind of make Justin miss a little bit,” Darnold explained.
He moved to his right and could have tucked and run, but Jefferson was almost as open as a punt returner inside the 10-yard line. Darnold showed his arm strength, flicking the ball on the move from midfield, and Jefferson backpedaled into the end zone.
Darnold acknowledged Jefferson’s arm go up to indicate availability, which can sometimes be a pitfall if the receiver doesn’t know another defender is sneaking up, but this time, there was nothing but space.
“I heard on the sideline that if I would have had time [to stay in the pocket and not scramble], he absolutely cooked the dude on the route that was called for him,” Darnold said. “And for him to be able to score on a play that he would have scored on if I had time anyways, that was awesome to see.”