Chris Herndon and Sam Darnold’s bond extended past the practice field in the summer, when they frequently were getting reps together. The rookies were also roommates, acclimating themselves to life as professionals with one another to lean on.
“We got to know each other a little bit. We talked here and there,” Herndon said. “Whenever we came home, either one of us had questions, especially me, because I’m the tight end, I just asked him. That kind of helped.”
Their “great chemistry,” as Darnold has described it, has continued into the fall, the two already connecting 12 times for three touchdowns and 161 yards on 18 targets. In an otherwise dreary stretch for an offense that sorely misses injured wide receivers Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson, the 22-year-old Herndon has been a bright spot.
“He’s got some big playmaking ability,” linebacker Avery Williamson said.
Herndon, in fact, already shares a Jets record just eight games into his NFL career, as he is one of the three rookies to catch touchdown passes in three consecutive games, along with Keyshawn Johnson (1996) and Thurlow Cooper (1960). With one more scoring grab, he would become the all-time leader in franchise history for rookie tight ends, passing names like Mickey Shuler, Rich Caster and Dustin Keller.
“I was actually surprised when I heard the news,” he said. “I’m just honestly thankful.”
Slowly, Herndon’s production is increasing — he has seven catches the last three weeks — and it should grow now that starter Neal Sterling has suffered another concussion and isn’t expected back anytime soon.
“Chris, first of all, he’s a great route-runner, but also he’s a great run-blocker, which helps in the pass game,” Darnold said. “It sets up play-action and all that stuff. Whenever you have a versatile tight end, it always helps an offense.”
It was roughly 11 months ago that Herndon’s draft stock took a hit, when he tore his left MCL the week before the University of Miami’s appearance in the ACC title game. He was having a career year with 40 catches for 477 yards and four touchdowns after patiently waiting for his time to come.
“It wasn’t the best time to necessarily go down,” he said.
When asked if the injury led to doubts he could play at the next level, Herndon said he was thankful to merely be playing professional football after what he went through. He may have never wound up with the Jets, though, if not for the knee injury that dropped him to the fourth round. He gets to return to his old stomping grounds Sunday against the Dolphins.
“It’s going to be feel good being back down there,” Herndon said.
The Jets are pleased with his progress. There is hope he can fill the canyon-sized hole that’s existed at tight end for years. Austin Seferian-Jenkins had a strong season last year, catching 50 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns, but he wasn’t a permanent answer. There is hope Herndon could be that guy. Recently, he’s showing signs of it.
“I just think the offense slowed down for him,” coach Todd Bowles said. “From a mental standpoint, he’s playing faster because he can see everything that’s coming, and his abilities are starting to take over without him thinking.”
Herndon agreed with that assessment, emphasizing the importance of the work he’s doing watching film and mastering the playbook. That goes back to the summer, when Herndon and Darnold would study together. The rookie tight end is seeing the results.
“Each game is starting to come to me more and more,” Herndon said.