Former Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg may be on the way to playing himself out of another job.
Hackenberg, who plays for Memphis in the AAF, was benched by coach Mike Singletary in the second half after throwing two interceptions in the Express’ 21-17 loss to the 3-0 Orlando Apollos on Saturday night at Orlando’s Spectrum Stadium.
With Memphis trailing 9-0 at the half, Hackenberg was replaced by Zach Mettenberger, who almost led the Express (0-3) to a comeback victory. The former LSU quarterback promptly led the Express on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Lucien. In the fourth quarter, Mettenberger also authored a seven-play, 75-yard drive, which included a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Gerrard Sheppard.
Mettenberger completed 9 of 12 passes for 120 yards, the two touchdowns and a 145.8 passer rating. Hackenberg, on the other hand, was a woeful 8 of 14 for 88 yards with two interceptions and a 36.3 passer rating.
“It’s just business as usual,” Mettenberger said about replacing Hackenberg. “This is a professional sport you got be a professional. You got to always be ready. Whether you’re the backup your one play a way or you’re the third string you’re two plays away. It’s something we’ve all been taught that from an early age.
“Just today coaches seemed fit for me to get an opportunity and I was able to do a couple of things out there, but I would’ve like to got the win.”
General manager Mike Maccagnan only can hope this is it for Hackenberg. The former Penn State quarterback has turned into a weekly reminder to Jets fans how bad a pick he was to be selected by Gang Green in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.