PHILADELPHIA — It was about this time a year ago the Jets decided Christian Hackenberg wouldn’t be part of their future as a starting quarterback. The Eagles likely came to that same conclusion Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Jets’ second-round draft pick in 2016 was a bust with the Jets. The former Penn State quarterback never saw a down of playing time during his two regular seasons. He was eventually traded to the Raiders during the offseason and released before signing with the Eagles. He played much of Thursday’s preseason finale won by the Eagles 10-9 though Hackenberg had nothing to do with his team’s victory.
To think this was the quarterback the Jets hoped would win the starting job last year is a bit frightening. Two of Hackenberg’s first four passes Thursday night were badly thrown and intercepted. This came after he was sacked and called for a delay of game penalty. In the third quarter, Hackenberg, who ran five times for 66 yards, lost a fumble while trying to scramble. At 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, he looks great in a uniform. Not so much when he’s trying to play quarterback.
He’s the Eagles’ problem now or at least until the Super Bowl champions make their final cuts. Hackenberg’s performance (7 of 16 for 69 yards with zero TDs, two interceptions for a 16.9 quarterback rating) left Jets fans with the understanding of how much their quarterback situation has improved in a year.
Rookie Sam Darnold, the second overall selection from USC, didn’t play but is expected to start the season opener Sept. 10 in Detroit though head coach Todd Bowles continues to say he hasn’t made a decision yet. The choice of Darnold is made easier by his impressive showing during training camp. Veteran Josh McCown, who started Thursday night, will serve as the proven backup and mentor. Trading Teddy Bridgewater to the Saints also eliminates the chance for a quarterback controversy anytime soon.
“If I am the starter, I’m comfortable,” Darnold said. “I’m comfortable with the offense and excited by the guys in the locker room.”
The third quarterback could be John Wolford, the rookie free agent from Wake Forest, who was signed last week. He played most of the game for the Jets though his audition (8 of 20 for 89 yards and one interception) was likely for a spot on the practice squad. More moves could be made to upgrade the position before the season opener, but the Jets at least know they’re a better team now that the Hackenberg experiment is over and the Darnold era has begun.
“We’re further along than last year overall with the chemistry of the guys,” McCown said. “Everything has grown better.”
It’s a huge step in the right direction for a franchise that has been haunted by quarterbacks since Mark Sanchez started his slide to oblivion after back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship under Rex Ryan. Michael Vick, Greg McElroy, Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty, and Hackenberg were never long-term solutions. Now the Jets appear to have that in Darnold.
“Obviously, there’s a long way to go to understand defenses and game-plan for them,” Darnold said. “I’m learning a lot.”
There are sure to be growing pains. But Darnold looks talented enough and smart enough to be a fast learner. He will need help from a receiving corps that will hope Jermaine Kearse can get healthy and a running game that is unproven. “You’re never ready until you go play,” Bowles said. “You have to go play to prove your worth.”
Truth is the preseason couldn’t have gone much better for the Jets. Bowles might remain coy about his decision at QB, but Darnold looks like he can hold his own with McCown ready if needed. You still have to question what the Jets were thinking seeing promise in Hackenberg.
What a difference a year makes.