New York Jets

Christian Hackenberg was so off target at Jets’ OTAs that some of his passes hit reporters

Published Jun. 8, 2017 8:28 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

As the New York Jets continue to purge their roster of virtually all their veteran players, those who remain are attempting to hone their skills at OTAs. And it appears their young quarterback needs a bit more time refining his touch.

According to Connor Hughes of NJ.com, Christian Hackenberg struggled mightily with his accuracy during the organized team activities, repeatedly missing his targets and on two occasions overthrowing his receivers so badly that the passes traveled off the practice field and hit reporters on the sidelines.

“When Hackenberg misses, he really misses,” Hughes wrote Thursday. “He threw just two interceptions in team drills, but nearly tossed six others. And I’m not talking about a receiver falling down. I’m saying the defender just dropped the ball. Other times, the wideout/running back/tight end was wide open, and Hackenberg sailed it over his head or bounced it to him. That can’t happen. In the three media-open OTAs, Hackenberg hit reporters with passes twice.”

Hackenberg’s arm strength was on full display during his time at Penn State, but it looks like he needs to dial it back a touch. He is one of only three quarterbacks on the roster, competing with veteran Josh McCown and Bryce Petty for the starting spot. The 22-year-old Hackenberg has yet to attempt a regular-season pass after the Jets drafted him in the second round last year.

The club has turned some heads this offseason by cutting ties with a number of big-name veterans, including Brandon Marshall, Darrelle Revis and Eric Decker.