5 reasons Jets can win with Sam Darnold in 2020

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Conor McDermott #69 of the New York Jets blocks Trent Murphy #93 of the Buffalo Bills in front of Sam Darnold #14 during the third quarter at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 22: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

4. Sam Darnold’s supporting cast has improved

One of the keys to success for any young quarterback is to give him weapons. The Jets failed to do that for most of Sam Darnold’s first two seasons, surrounding him with some of the worst skill position talent in football.

Losing Robby Anderson in free agency hurt but GM Joe Douglas moved quickly to secure his replacement by signing Breshad Perriman to a one-year deal. Douglas also added another talented receiver in the draft, maneuvering swiftly to land Baylor’s Denzel Mims while also securing extra picks to help the Jets in the future.

The Jets also added depth in the backfield, signing veteran Frank Gore while drafting La’Mical Perine out of Florida. The pair of backs should prove to be an upgrade behind Le’Veon Bell, who should also be in better football shape after knocking off the rust of his one-year layoff in 2019.

Darnold will also get back one of his favorite targets in tight end Chris Herndon, who played in only a few quarters in 2019 due to a suspension and various injuries. This much-improved cast should allow Darnold to make more plays, increasing the Jets’ chances of winning in the process.

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