Panthers QB Sam Darnold: I didn't play well enough for Jets and that's on me

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold had a rough three years with the New York Jets, and he isn't afraid to admit that he struggled. 

The 24-year-old is gearing up for a Week 1 matchup against his former team, and he isn't blaming anyone but himself for how things turned out in New York. 

"I feel like, for me, every opportunity I've found a way to kind of take advantage of," Darnold told ESPN's David Newton. "The Jets was kind of the first time in my life that I got something -- and that was taken away from me, for multiple reasons.

"I definitely didn't play good enough in my stint there. And I put it on myself."

While some have suggested Adam Gase's offense didn't put Darnold in a position to succeed, the former third-overall pick didn't go there. 

"We had a good system in New York," Darnold said. "And there were countless plays where I messed up a read or I didn't throw it to the open guy."

In 38 games for the Jets, Darnold completed 59.8% of his passes for 8,097 yards with 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions, finishing 13-25. His struggles pushed New York to start over at quarterback by drafting Zach Wilson second overall this year. 

Darnold is projected to play better for Carolina this year. With weapons like Christian McCaffrey, Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore, the USC product is in a good situation to succeed.