How many starts will Sam Darnold get this year?

Everything hinges on how Darnold plays, whether JJ will be kept off the field. Yes it may sound stupid and obvious but my point being JJ is not going to get a chance unless Darnold plays himself out of the position starting week 1 in reg season. Right now it seems the race is a lot closer than Kevin probably wanted. Ideally they dont want to start him as they have the luxury of time. Yes I know that sounds silly in a contract year for both GM and HC, but I think both are safe especially Kevin. They still want to win but they know this is likely a transition year, if Sam is playing solid and they are getting wins hes going to continue to play. Now say they start off 0-3 or 1-4 something like that is when you could start to lose the team if JJ is sitting and they feel like he gives them a better chance to win. The team and coaches (Kevin) especially know if he is ready or not. Right now it seems like he could start right away, but again they have no reason to rush him.

I just dont think theyll rush him is my point.

Of course we won't rush him. However, he was a top 10 pick for a reason. He's a talented football player. We've had OTAs and now a full training camp to get him ready. He should be ready sooner rather than later. 

Probably because McCarthy should play when he's ready, not because Darnold may struggle. They aren't counting on McCarthy to save the 2024 season.

Except when you state "you learn through playing" which sounds like you're suggesting you throw JJ out there regardless of whether he's ready or not.