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New York Jets: Assessing the quarterback position entering training camp
Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Assessing the quarterback position of the New York Jets entering their 2017 training camp.
The New York Jets open their 2017 training camp on July 28 and without a doubt the most interesting story line will be who will win the starting quarterback job. No one is expecting a Joe Montana vs. Steve Young-like battle between Hall of Fame signal-callers but how this competition plays out should be quite interesting indeed.
The candidates are Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. That's a pretty depressing group but that's what Jets fans are stuck with. It's going to be a long year. Minicamps and OTA's are over now and the anticipation will continue to grow as training camp draws closer. Which of these signal-callers will be under center when the Jets commence their 2017 season at the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 10?
Let's take a look at all three quarterbacks and see where they stand as the month of June quickly draws to a close.
Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Josh McCown
The grizzled veteran will be 38 years old when camp opens. Thirty eight! The Jets will be his eighth NFL team and the 6-foot-4, 212-pounder has essentially been a backup quarterback most of his career. In his 14 NFL campaigns, McCown's teams have an overall record of 79-145 (.353). That means he should fit right in with Gang Green.
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The Jacksonville, TX native appears to be the early favorite to win the starting quarterback nod based on his performance in minicamp and OTAs and also because head coach Todd Bowles could very well be coaching for his job. McCown might give him the best chance to win at this point. However, with a roster void of premier talent, the Jets will be fortunate to win five games this coming season.
I realize that Bowles feels he has to win as many games as possible to save his job but New York would be much better served in the long run to have Hackenberg and Petty battle it out for the number one role. McCown has no future with the Jets. He probably should be retired by now. It's time to see what the two younger quarterbacks can do once and for all.
May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) takes a snap during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Hackenberg
The Jets are heavily invested in the former Penn State product — Hackenberg was their second-round selection (51st overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft — so unless he totally implodes in training camp, I feel he should start the season opener in Buffalo. It's time to see how Hackenberg can perform on the NFL stage.
Accuracy has always been an issue with him but Jets quarterback coach Jeremy Bates liked what he saw from Hackenberg during minicamp and OTAs, as he explained to nyj.247sports.com:
"I think he's throwing the ball well. He's throwing it on time. Part of his accuracy is knowing where to go with the ball, and each day, he plays faster. He gets in a rhythm, and I think everyone in the building is excited to see where he's going. I think he's accurate."
Hopefully Hackenberg will receive plenty of reps in training camp and the preseason to show just how accurate a passer he is evolving into. The Jets have to give him every opportunity to win the starting job this year to see if he has a future with New York. It's his time to shine.
However, if he fails, then the Jets can forge ahead and hope they are able to draft highly-touted quarterback prospect Sam Darnold of USC in next year's draft. But if he succeeds, then New York may have a franchise quarterback on their hands.
Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Bryce Petty
The Baylor product had an opportunity to show what he can do as a starting NFL quarterback and was disappointing in 2016 for the Jets. Petty started four games late last season and really struggled, tossing seven interceptions and just three touchdown passes. His quarterback rating was a meager 60.0. New York was just 1-3 in those starts.
A fourth round pick (103rd overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft, Petty is still just 26 years old and possesses a pretty strong arm. However, he needs to work on his accuracy issues — he completed just 56 percent of his passes last year, which is low by league standards these days. Petty also has to improve his decision-making and cut down on his turnovers. Turnovers are a killer that destroy drives and are just not acceptable.
There is no question that Petty has ability but after playing in a spread offense exclusively at Baylor he seems to still be struggling to adapt to a pro-style offensive system. He appears to be number three on the depth chart heading into training camp and will need to show significant improvement in camp and during preseason games to win the starting job this coming season.
