Part 4/8:
One alarming statistic underscored the game: Darnold was sacked as many times as points the team scored. The glaring disparity—nine sacks versus merely nine points—drew criticism, with Sharpe decrying it as "pathetic." Analysts pointed to Darnold's performance, characterized by indecisiveness and panic under pressure, likening his demeanor to that of a "deer in headlights."
Darnold's inability to release the ball quickly, cited at an average of 4.8 seconds from snap to sack, showcased a pervasive issue that has plagued him throughout his career. While Darnold had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, the playoff game catalyzed concerns about his capacity to handle high-pressure situations consistently.