The early part of the Jets’ 2020 schedule is more than just a litmus test for a team looking to inch closer to contending.
It is a chance for Sam Darnold to show where he stands among some of his colleagues.
New York’s early-season schedule pits the Jets up against some of the best young quarterbacks in football. First up is Josh Allen in Week 1, followed by Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 2, Drew Lock in Week 4 and Kyler Murray in Week 5.
Allen and Darnold have met multiple times since entering the NFL together in 2018, so those two squaring off is nothing new. As AFC East rivals, that is a battle that could last for possibly a decade or longer. Facing Garoppolo, Lock and Murray in a span four weeks is a new challenge — one that allows Darnold to stake his claim as one of the best young quarterbacks in football.
Many have questioned Darnold’s place in the rankings when it comes to discussing the game’s elite young signal-callers. Some believe Darnold is near or at the top of the list. Others think Darnold has a long way to go before he can even be considered for a spot in the top five. New York’s early-season slate will settle some of that discussion.
Garoppolo is head and shoulders above Darnold and most other young quarterbacks right now considering he just led the 49ers to a Super Bowl. Lock and Murray, meanwhile, are coming off their rookie seasons and still have a lot to prove — just like Darnold.
The chance for Darnold to make his case as one of the best young quarterbacks out there goes beyond the first couple of weeks of the season too. There is a chance Darnold faces Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Justin Herbert in Week 6 before facing Allen again in Week 7. Patrick Mahomes, who might be the best quarterback in football period, is on tap in Week 8. Week 9 could feature a showdown between Darnold and Jarrett Stidham, while Darnold will likely battle with Tua Tagovailoa for the first time in Week 10.
Opportunity is knocking at Darnold’s door entering the 2020 season. This is not just the season he could help the Jets begin to trend back in the right direction. It is the season he could set himself apart and quiet all the naysayers that have been questioning if he has what it takes to be Gang Green’s franchise quarterback.
Darnold is the ultimate competitor. Don’t think outplaying his counterparts won’t be on his mind at the beginning of the season. Winning is the No. 1 goal, but Darnold will be hungry to begin 2020 by putting the league on notice.