New York Jets: Three Goals for Sam Darnold in 2020

Pro Bowl Appearance

An increase in personal numbers is always a positive sign, but it would be even more impressive to have an improvement in play that coincides with an uptick in wins. Darnold should look to lead Gang Green past their 2019 record of 7-9.

If he can improve his numbers across the board while simultaneously keeping the Jets in the playoff hunt, he could very well be the Jets’ first Pro Bowl quarterback since Brett Favre in 2008.

With a veteran mentor and upgrades on all levels of the offense, Darnold has all the tools he needs to bump out someone like Ryan Tannehill or Deshaun Watson for the final AFC pro bowl quarterback spot.

Last season the AFC Pro Bowl Quarterbacks were as follows:

• Lamar Jackson
• Patrick Mahomes
• Deshaun Watson

Obviously Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs made it to (and won) the Super Bowl, meaning he wasn’t able to play in the Pro Bowl. The question is; is Darnold capable of beating one of these quarterbacks out in 2020?

Heading into the 2020 season, the top quarterbacks in the AFC appear to be as so:

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Patrick Mahomes

Lamar Jackson

Deshaun Watson

Can Darnold beat out four of these quarterbacks in order to make the Pro Bowl?

As long as his protection holds up and his receivers stay healthy, Sam Darnold should show signs of progress both on the field and on the stat sheet. If that happens, wins should begin to pile up and he should be packing his bags for Las Vegas in January.

While a single Pro Bowl appearance doesn’t define a career, it would be a huge step forward for Darnold on his journey as the future of the New York Jets franchise.