Adam Gase, Sam Darnold explain tense sideline exchange
Adam Gase and Sam Darnold had what appeared to be a disagreement on the sideline during the New York Jets’ disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, but both the coach and quarterback insist that is not what happened.
After one of several drives stalled without points, Gase and Darnold had an exchange that looked like it got a bit heated. The reaction of backup quarterback David Fales also made it seem like the conversation was an uncomfortable one, at the very least.
Near the end of last night’s game, Sam Darnold and Adam Gase exchanged some words on the sideline. Not sure what was said, but backup QB David Fales’ reaction says a lot. pic.twitter.com/m0cdCBOcxF
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 13, 2019
Gase and Darnold both downplayed the exchange while speaking with reporters on Friday. Gase claimed he and the quarterback were actually venting about another player who didn’t do his job.
Adam Gase on the sideline conversation with Sam Darnold last night. They were actually in agreement…
"Somebody didn't do their job and I was bitching about that. And he was doing the same thing."
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) December 13, 2019
Darnold had a similar explanation, noting that he was frustrated by the situation but was not having any type of disagreement with Gase. He also commented on the look Fales gave.
Sam Darnold on the sideline conversation with Adam Gase: "I was just frustrated by the circumstance."
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) December 13, 2019
Sam Darnold on David Fales' reaction during the conversation with Gase on the sideline:
"David always has that kind of weird look on his face…. We were not in any disagreement at all."
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) December 13, 2019
There’s no way of knowing if Gase and Darnold are telling the truth, and it would not be a surprise if the discussion was a bit more tense than they are willing to admit. Gase has seemed frustrated with some of his players recently, and the Jets fell to 5-9 with Thursday’s loss. When expectations aren’t met, tempers flare.
