Thanks to one play Saturday night at MetLife Stadium, the Jets quarterback competition is shaping up just the way they want it. Thanks to one play Josh McCown is still the front-runner to be the starter in the season opener with Christian Hackenberg looking like a reliable backup.
If you’re thinking about the Jets’ short-term survival and long-term possibilities, that is the way you want this training camp competition to end up. McCown might not be the Jets’ quarterback of the future, but based on one play in Saturday night’s 7-3 preseason win over the Titans he is the best choice for right now.
The play came on the Jets’ first offensive series of the game, when both teams had their starters on the field and were eager for some competition after spending the first two weeks of training camp hitting teammates.
On the fifth play, a second-and-11 from the Jets 45, McCown dropped back for his second pass of the drive. Robby Anderson, the speedy second-year receiver from Temple, had lined up wide right. He already was at full speed, racing down the field past Titans cornerback Logan Ryan and safety Kevin Byard by the time McCown threw his rainbow.
McCown lofted a high tight spiral that Anderson caught in stride just over his right shoulder. The gain would be 53 yards, giving the Jets a first down at the Tennessee 2.
“It was a great throw,” Anderson said. “I just ran straight up the field and Josh put it on the money.”
Three plays later, the Jets scored their only touchdown of the game on a 4-yard TD pass from McCown to second-year receiver Charone Peake.
For those wondering how the Jets were going to score touchdowns this year, that is how: Throw it deep to Anderson and hope for the best.
“Speed is a premium in this league and he has it in droves,” McCown said of Anderson. “He can really roll. When you have that kind of speed, the sky’s the limit.”
The eight-play 78-yard scoring drive was McCown’s only series of the night, another indication the Jets see him as the starter. He completed just three of four passes overall for 72 yards and the touchdown for a hefty quarterback rating of 156.2. The remainder of the first half and deep into the third quarter belonged to Christian Hackenberg, who was taking his first real steps toward proving he can manage an NFL offense.
All eyes were on Hackenberg, who in his second-year needs to prove he is worth the investment to be groomed as a starter. Though it was bombs away when McCown was in, the playcalling was much more conservative with Hackenberg running the offense.
The Jets ran the ball more than they threw it, perhaps wanting to get a good look at running backs Romar Morris and Elijah McGuire. When Hackenberg did throw it, the passes were usually low risk. One of his few deep throws sailed well over the head of Frankie Hammond late in the second quarter. Another deep toss to Hammond in the third quarter easily was defended.
Hackenberg would finish 18-of-25 for 127 yards before giving way to Bryce Petty late in the third quarter. There were plenty of things to like about Hackenberg. He stood tall in the pocket and didn’t show happy feet. He had command of the huddle and didn’t panic under pressure. There was one glaring mistake.: a fumbled snap from center late in the third quarter ruined a promising drive. Otherwise, it was a decent start with plenty of room for growth. Hackenberg still needs to improve every game, every practice, and every rep.
That is why McCown is the proper choice to be the starting quarterback for the season opener. The 15-year veteran gives the Jets the best chance to win, the best chance to connect with Anderson on the kind of big play that can change momentum and win games.
As much as the Jets tried to establish a running game Saturday night, they will need their share of big plays to score points. McCown-to-Anderson gives them the best chance to do so.