Fansided

10 NFL quarterbacks feeling the most pressure in 2020

By William Schneiderhan

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 10: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 10: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

7. Sam Darnold, New York Jets

You can make the argument that it is almost unfair to make any judgment based on Sam Darnold‘s first two seasons in the NFL. He has yet to play a full 16-game schedule, and he has dealt with two different coaching staffs in two seasons. Not to mention, the two head coaches he has worked with are Todd Bowles and now Adam Gase.

Regardless, this will be Darnold’s third year, and he rightly has some work to do to ensure the Jets that he is the team’s first franchise quarterback since Joe Namath.

In his first two seasons, Darnold is 11-15-0, playing in 13 games each season. He has dealt with sickness and injury, which has left him off the field.

Even with that inconsistency and constant rehabilitation from injury, Darnold has not been bad. He has been athletic and occasionally he has made plays which reinforced the confidence that he has a lot of potential.

Last year, Darnold still managed to throw for over 3,024 yards with 19 touchdowns. He did continue putting the ball into dangerous places too often, which resulted in 13 interceptions.

Darnold has little pressure to lead the Jets to the playoffs given the roster around him and schedule the team is set to play in 2020. Instead, he needs to show progression, and that is where the pressure falls on him next season.

A Pro Bowl campaign would be a fantastic sign for Darnold. Mainly, because that means he is healthy. Remaining on the field and ridding of any uncertainties around his future on the Jets would refresh the feeling around the team mightily.

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