Is Bryce Petty a potential franchise quarterback?

Thanks to an unexpected game-time decision, New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty started against the Los Angeles Rams. This gave the former third-stringer a platform upon which to establish his long-term worth.

For their Week 10 match-up against the Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets management decided to roll the dice, starting backup quarterback Bryce Petty over the wildly inconsistent Ryan Fitzpatrick. Yes, it seems that higher-ups have finally given up their belief in “Fitzmagic.” Despite how tough it must’ve been to admit defeat on an $11 million gamble.

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That’s not to say that Petty isn’t deserving of a starting role, by any means. Even throughout Gang Green’s preseason, the former Baylor Bear was able to do what rival quarterback Geno Smith couldn’t: excite the MetLife faithful and rally his offensive unit.

From the get-go, there was always a certain poise and charisma that made Petty stick out. That very same cool, calm, and collected demeanor was seen on Sunday. Through clutch completions and blatant mistakes, an ever-present smile shone through. The charming trademark of a born leader with ice water in his veins.

Sure, Petty is inexperienced and has a steep uphill battle ahead. But, over the next six games, he has an opportunity to prove his long-term potential. Even amid rumors of the Jets eyeing up Tony Romo.

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This isn’t a game that favors an injury prone 36-year-old. It’s all about youth. Even in that regard, not many youngsters are capable of engineering 99-yard drives, connecting on 52-yard bombs in their very first NFL start.

No, Bryce Petty isn’t just a run-of-the-mill prospect in the city that never sleeps. He’s a gunslinger with a chip on his shoulder, itching to slice and dice the “Big Apple.”

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Let’s just hope that higher-ups pay close attention whenever this blue-chipper is under center. If Petty continues to learn and evolve, they may just be looking at their next franchise quarterback.

Only time will tell.