Naturally, the NFL season's midpoint leads to some reflection. Eight games in, the Jets have been doing plenty of thinking about how they fell to 3-5 for the third straight season.

But it's not just a team-wide evaluation; rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is taking the chance to grade himself, too.

So what are the metrics he judges himself by?

"Completions," Darnold said. "I think completions are huge and obviously not turning the ball over. I think those are the two things that I really look at. If I just continue to complete the football and put it in the playmakers hands and let them do their thing, and then if I just don't turn the ball over and don't make dumb mistakes. I think if I do both of those things really well, then we will be able to put the ball in the end zone."

According to the numbers, Darnold has struggled in both areas so far.

For starters, Darnold's completion percentage of 55.2 ranks 33rd out of 34 eligible quarterbacks. He's also tied for the league lead with 10 interceptions.

Obviously, based on his own criteria, that would indicate that these first eight games have been a flop from Darnold. But he doesn't quite see it that way - particularly in regards to ball security.

"I think I've done a good job being able to learn from the film," Darnold said. "Learn from my mistakes and just whenever I get in the open field and I'm running with the football, get down and don't give those guys a chance to be able to poke the ball out. I think I've been doing a pretty good job of that, I just have to keep that up."

Darnold was willing to concede a bit when it comes to the completions, though.

"I think I've done a pretty good job of, first of all, finding the open guys," Darnold said. "But also I think I can do a better job of, once the open guy is not there - if the first and second guy is not there - know exactly where my check down is and go to him.

"If he's not there, go right to a scramble drill or look to find open room. If I feel the pocket closing down or everyone is closing in on me, just to be able to throw the ball away. Throw it at someone's feet and live to see another down. I think that's more of the growth that I see happening in the near future."

So there's your new standard for the next eight games, Jets fans: better decision-making.

Matt Stypulkoski may be reached at mstypulkoski@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.