New York Jets: Five important players for 2018 season not named Darnold

Josh McCown

Yes, Josh McCown. He will be a major force in the success of the 2018 Jets. The man who turns 39 years old today after having a career year last season. After being a guy that drew mixed emotions when he was brought in, he became a fan favorite. Completing 67% of his passes did a lot to help endear him with the Jets fan base.

However, he will not play a major role on the football field this season. Unless Sam Darnold falls apart or Teddy Bridgewater parties like it’s 2015, Josh McCown will spend the majority of the season on the sidelines. This is Darnold’s team and it will begin as his team sooner rather than later.

Next: Five bold predictions for the 2018 season

So how is this guy going to be such a big help? As a mentor, that’s how. He will be Darnold’s eyes and ears on the sideline. Yes he has coaches, but a fellow quarterback looking out for him will do wonders.

It helped Mark Sanchez. Yes, Mark Sanchez. One could argue that his best year, if you take his stats combined with how the team performed, was 2010. That was the year of the playoff win over New England that set our world on fire. His backup at the time was Mark Brunell. Having a mentor helps. That is why McCown will be huge even if he doesn’t take a regular season snap.