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Phoenix – Maybe I’m missing something, but to me, this is just Kabuki Theatre. What is the point of this? Let’s take a closer look.
Todd Bowles addressed the media today in Phoenix and was asked myriad questions about his quarterback situation.
“There will be heavy competition for the job,” Bowles said. “Nobody has been promised the starting quarterback job. They’ll all get a chance to play and we’ll make that decision, going forward, when training camp starts as we see production from certain people.”
What is the point of this?
Look, I’m not putting Josh McCown in Canton, but right now, this isn’t even close. McCown gives the Jets a much better chance to win in 2017 than Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty. And you don’t need to be Nostradamus to make a statement like this.
Hackenberg didn’t play a down last year, and according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he regressed as a rookie.
On January 6, Schefter wrote, “For New York Jets fans clamoring for Christian Hackenberg and wondering why the rookie quarterback never got his chance this season, the answer was evident to others within the organization. One Jets coach said Hackenberg ‘couldn’t hit the ocean.’ Another team official said Hackenberg has regressed throughout this season; he has struggled with his play and his confidence. But if there’s an encouraging aspect, it’s this: The Jets think Hackenberg will benefit from some time away.”
Does that sound like a guy ready to challenge for a starting job? I don’t like how Schefter makes the sausage, but I believe everything he reports. He has an impeccable record. Legit sources told him this stuff in my opinion.
And keep in mind, Hackenberg will have a new thick playbook thrown at him by John Morton.
I heard Adam Gase talking today about the importance of continuity for players. That is one a big reason he promoted linebackers coach Matt Burke to take over as his defensive coordinator. Burke replaced Vance Joseph who became the Denver Broncos head coach. But Burke will continue to run Joseph’s system. So the Dolphins’ defensive players won’t have a new playbook thrown at them in Year Two.
Those who don’t think getting a new playbook throws a monkey wrench into Hackenberg’s ability to start in Year Two, especially early, might be kidding themselves.
Perhaps the Jets’ brass should have had an heir apparent offensive coordinator training under Gailey, so when he retired, they could keep the ball rolling.
As for Petty, once again, young quarterback getting a new system going from Year Two to Year Three, and he’s coming off shoulder surgery.
What is the point of this fan dance?
If he’s healthy, McCown is going to start.
Look I’m not saying Hackenberg can’t be a starter in the future. I’m just saying he needs more time. New system. New coaches. Rough first year.
I see Petty as a backup based on what I saw last year.
I saw a New York Post headline today after the press conference – “This is when Christian Hackenberg reveals himself.”
I don’t agree. He’s 22. If he doesn’t emerge as a starter this year, it’s not over. Terry Bradshaw didn’t become Terry Bradshaw until around 28.
Are the Jets trying to justify the pick by pretending Hackenberg is now a contender for the starting job? Maybe, but they don’t need to do that.
Maybe they are doing this for his confidence.
Whatever the reason, this competition makes little sense to me.
McCown needs to be the starter, at least early in the season.