With training camp set to begin in just a few more weeks, teams around the league are finalizing their camp rosters. That being said, it’s a fitting time to take a look at which three players on all 32 NFL teams are dubbed the “faces of the franchise” for the 2020 season. Those who have the greatest positive impact not just on a weekly basis on the field, but in the locker room, community, and for the team’s brand as a whole. For this series, we will present the three most prominent figures for each team. In the case of the 2020 New York Jets, it is a mix of promising youth and established stars. One thing for sure is that each player gives it their all each week in their unique role as they hope to play a key role in ending Gang Green’s playoff drought.
Faces of the 2020 New York Jets
Sam Darnold
The easiest selection for any “face of the franchise” comes with a clear starting quarterback. Playing the most important position in the game, Jets fans know how much a quarterback can change the game. Since Joe Namath, the team has been in search of a franchise quarterback, and as Darnold enters his third season, it is a big one in proving he is the guy.
From the moment he was drafted third overall in 2018, he was pegged as the latest team savior. Beating out veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater as a rookie, Darnold has flashed fantastic playmaking ability and arm talent. Through two seasons (26 starts), Darnold has won the support of the fan base with 36 touchdown passes and 5,889 yards.
Entering 2020, Darnold’s hopeful leap will be what determines the future of the Jets franchise. An improved offensive line and revamped skill-position group will play a major role in him improving. Whether or not the Jets wind up in the playoff race or at the bottom of the division, 2020 is the year Darnold can establish himself worthy of a contract extension.
Le’Veon Bell
When a 22-year old running back puts up 2,215 yards from scrimmage on his way to Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, the league takes notice. That was the case for Le’Veon Bell, who as a Pittsburgh Steelers totaled 7,996 yards from scrimmage and 42 total touchdowns in just 62 games. After a holdout over his contract, Bell signed a four-year, $52.5-million with the Jets, giving the team a much-needed weapon for Darnold.
With that contract, the Jets expected an immediate pay-off despite Bell sitting out an entire season. Instead, Bell suffered behind a poor Jets offensive line on his way to just 1,250 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns. With such an underwhelming performance in his first season, it makes for a huge comeback year in 2020.
The Jets invested significant capital in both free agency and the draft to improve the line in front of Bell. Not to mention, adding the ageless Frank Gore and rookie La’Mical Perine to keep Bell fresh. Behind Darnold, nobody will have a bigger impact on the Jets’ offense than Bell. With a functioning offensive line, he can return to his signature patient running style. Plus, with better pass blocking too, Darnold will have more time to work the ball to Bell on routes.
Jamal Adams
Yes, safety Jamal Adams has demanded a trade given the Jets have yet to give him a new contract. Yet with two years of team control remaining, the Jets seem likely to have Adams play out the 2020 season and revisit an extension next off-season.
Whether with a new contract or not, his impact on the Jets defense is like no other. At just 24 years old, Adams has quickly established himself as arguably the best safety in all of football. As an All-Pro this past season and two Pro Bowl appearances in three seasons, Adams was an absolute force. In 46 starts, Adams has totaled 25 deflections, six forced fumbles with four recoveries, 12.0 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
A large part of his contract debate has been that he is only a ‘box safety’. However, that is not true. Out of his 959 snaps last season, Adams saw 400 in the box, 97 along the defensive line, and 462 at corner or free safety. As the Jets’ most lethal defender, it makes sense why defensive coordinator Gregg Williams utilized him all over the field because Adams is simply unstoppable. And nothing should change that with the 2020 New York Jets.
