For the first time in his NFL career, Jets safety Jamal Adams has been recognized as one of the two best players at his position.
Adams was named a First-Team All-Pro selection alongside Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on Wednesday following a dominant 2019 campaign.
Adams nearly broke the single-season sacks record for a defensive back, but fell just short of Adrian Wilson’s record of eight with 6.5. The LSU product finished the year with 75 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery that he took back for a touchdown and one interception, which resulted in a 61-yard pick-six, in 14 games played.
Throughout the season, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams played to Adams’ strengths and used him primarily in the box. With Marcus Maye lurking as New York’s lone high safety, Adams was allowed to make plays around the line of scrimmage, get to opposing quarterbacks and afforded more freedom than he had in Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme. Adams blitzed opposing quarterbacks a career-high 91 times in 2019 and also recorded a career-high 16 quarterback pressures and six quarterback knockdowns.
Adams shined in the box, but was just as solid in a coverage role as well. He allowed only 4.9 yards per target, 8.9 yards per completion, 129 total yards through the air on completions and only 58 yards after the catch.
Adams’ First-Team All-Pro selection is the latest accolade the 24-year-old has achieved in only three seasons in the NFL. He was a First-Team All-Rookie in 2017, Second-Team All-Pro last season and has two Pro Bowl selections (2018 and 2019) to his name.
Now, Adams can officially stake his claim to being the best of the best at his position.