Sam Darnold shaky, throws interception in first NFL preseason start

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Sam Darnold threw an interception and showed some of the growing pains of a rookie quarterback in his first preseason start for the New York Jets, who lost to the Washington Redskins 15-13 on a last-second field goal Thursday night.

Darnold was 8 of 11 for 62 yards, but took two sacks and had a couple of throws batted out of the air, including the pass that was intercepted . It was a far cry from the impressive debut in which the third overall pick went 13 of 18 for 96 yards and looked like the front-runner to win New York's starting QB competition.

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The former USC star played the entire first half before giving way to veteran Teddy Bridgewater. The former Vikings quarterback had his own inconsistences, going 10 of 15 for 127 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Redskins starter Alex Smith was 4 of 6 for 48 yards in one series, his only work so far in the preseason.

Jets coach Todd Bowles has said he needs to evaluate Darnold the most because he's plenty familiar with incumbent starter Josh McCown and knows about Bridgewater. Darnold showed flashes for the Jets (1-1), going 5 of 5 on his second drive, but was sacked by Preston Smith to force a field goal on a night full of them.

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Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins made all five of his field-goal attempts, including a 40-yarder as time expired to win it for the Redskins (1-1).

INJURIES

Jets: CB Jeremy Clark left with a hamstring injury. ... LT Kelvin Beachum (foot), RG Brian Winters (abdominal), RB Isaiah Crowell (concussion) and DL Steve McLendon (leg) did not play.

Redskins: RB Samaje Perine injured an ankle on his first carry, a 30-yard run , and did not return. ... RB Byron Marshall was evaluated for a lower-leg injury. ... LT Trent Williams, RB Chris Thompson, WR Maurice Harris, TE Jordan Reed, OT Ty Nsekhe and DL Matt Ioannidis and Phil Taylor were among those nursing or coming off injuries who didn't dress.

REDSKINS RB COMPETITION

After second-round pick Derrius Guice's season ended because of a torn ACL , Rob Kelley was up first to show he deserves to be Washington's starter. Kelley had seven carries for 17 yards, Perine was impressive on his one run before being injured, Marshall had a kick-return fumble that was overturned on video review and Kapri Bibbs made six catches for 47 yards with only 6 yards on the ground.

UNDISCIPLINED JETS

Linebacker Jordan Jenkins was flagged on the game's opening drive for roughing the passer against Smith when he drove the QB into the ground. Darron Lee was penalized for a horse-collar tackle on Redskins punt returner Danny Johnson. Then, there was rookie Frankie Luvu, who led with his helmet into Colt McCoy on a more egregious roughing-the-passer violation than what Jenkins had.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

All players appeared to stand for the national anthem. Jets players locked arms along the visiting sideline with no one remaining in the locker room.

NEXT UP

Jets: See what more Darnold can do in game action when they face the Giants on Aug. 24.

Redskins: Are expected to give Smith more snaps Aug. 24 when they host the Denver Broncos.