Peyton Manning: Adam Gase 'a good fit' for Sam Darnold

The development of quarterback Sam Darnold was the primary focus when the New York Jets hired Adam Gase as head coach. Although the reactions were mixed on the former Miami Dolphins coach, Peyton Manning supports the decision.

"I think it’s a good fit for Sam," Manning said at a DirecTV promotional event, according to NJ.com's Steve Politi. "Adam was wonderful to me after my injury. I had to learn to play football in a sort of different physical state because I couldn’t throw the ball the same way."

Gase previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 2014 and was the Denver Broncos' OC in 2013 when Manning threw for a record-setting 5,477 yards and 55 passing touchdowns.

“Mentally, Adam was able to take some plays that I used to run and build this hybrid offense where I could just go out there and play," Manning said.

Darnold was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. He completed 57.7 percent of his passes for 2,865 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 13 games as a rookie. Manning believes those numbers could improve with Gase's assistance.

“I’m pulling for him to have great success there,” Manning said. “Now that I’m not playing, (I enjoy) not only keeping up with Eli but coaches who I played for and players that I played with. I’m pulling hard for Adam. I like Sam as well and I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”