Fansided

5 reasons Jets can win with Sam Darnold in 2020

By Mike Phillips

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)
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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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 29: Trent Murphy #93 of the Buffalo Bills tries to knock down a pass by Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during the first half at New Era Field on December 29, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 29: Trent Murphy #93 of the Buffalo Bills tries to knock down a pass by Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets during the first half at New Era Field on December 29, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

3. The Jets win when Sam Darnold is healthy

This seems like a case of stating the obvious, but the New York Jets are really good when Sam Darnold is actually able to play games. Darnold has missed six games over his first two years in the league and the Jets have lost all of them.

Things have been better when Darnold has taken the field as the Jets have gone 11-15 with him, including a 7-6 mark in 2019. Darnold has demonstrated an ability to make winning plays despite subpar talent around him, a trait that should bear well for the Jets as Darnold’s supporting cast improves.

The Jets have done a better job fortifying the quarterback position, signing Joe Flacco to serve as Darnold’s backup this season. Flacco, who Jets’ GM Joe Douglas knew well from his days in Baltimore, has a ton of experience and a Super Bowl ring to help mentor Darnold going forward.

There have been early signs that Darnold is a winning player and he has made some throws that make eyes pop around the NFL. Keeping Darnold upright has been a key for the Jets the past two years since he can carry them to victories when he is on the field.

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