NY Jets: Steve McLendon’s leadership will be crucial to success in 2020

NY Jets defensive lineman Steve McLendon isn’t afraid to let out his words in trying times.

Selflessness.

This word is used to describe individuals who put the hopes and dreams of others before their own.

It’s what makes a man respected in a locker room, and more importantly, what makes a husband a good father.

NY Jets‘ defensive lineman Steve McLendon is a perfect case of a player who isn’t afraid to lead by example. Whether it’s suiting up on Sunday, or taking his kids to school on Monday, McLendon’s praised leadership doesn’t go unnoticed.

With the NFL season set to kick off in less than a month, McLendon and company will look to battle for a spot atop an AFC that is set to host a seven-team playoff bracket for the first time in league history.

If there was ever a time to win, it’s now.

With the New England Patriots looking a bit vulnerable as a constant division winner in the AFC East, the Jets should be looking to dethrone a team that has given them sustained headaches over the years.

The NY Jets had leaders last season, but the defense will look very different in 2020.

Leadership wasn’t hard to come by in 2019 as the Jets were trotting out linebacker C.J. Mosley and safety Jamal Adams to anchor a defense that’s hopes and aspirations were tied to defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ ability to receive the best out of players with his attitude and intensity.

From those mentioned, the one who’s still set to play out the 2020 season healthy and ready-to-go, is Gregg Williams.

2020 is going to look a bit different on defense without the voices of Adams and Mosley resonating through the heads of many players along that Jets defense who are eager to win.

Of course, Mosley missed the majority of last season with an injury, but his leadership was still felt throughout the locker room.

34-year-old Steve McLendon, who was named the most underrated player on the team a few months ago by Pro Football Focus, will have to use that underdog mentality to lift a team that has been dragged through the mud for the better part of the past decade.

A season that will be tested on its grit and persistence to stay healthy due to the worldwide pandemic gives the Jets reasons to find persevering veteran leaders who aren’t afraid of a little adversity along the way.

Steve McLendon says it best: Rule No. 1, don’t be No. 2.