Josh McCown gives update on Hackenberg’s progress

May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; (l to r) New York Jets quarterbacks Josh McCown (15), Christian Hackenberg (5) and Bryce Petty (9) run during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; (l to r) New York Jets quarterbacks Josh McCown (15), Christian Hackenberg (5) and Bryce Petty (9) run during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

As the New York Jets put their first week of organized team activities in the books, veteran quarterback Josh McCown gives an update on the progress of Christian Hackenberg.

Earlier this offseason, the New York Jets were in need of a new veteran quarterback to help guide their younger quarterbacks in the right direction. While other options were available, the Jets were able to acquire quarterback Josh McCown on a one-year deal for this sole purpose.

There is no guarantee McCown will start at any point this upcoming season but the truth of the matter is, he will give the Jets a veteran backup ready to step in if needed. With an open quarterback competition, once training camp arrives, it’s expected that either Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg will emerge as the clear cut winner that will start the regular season.

While many feel that Petty would give the Jets a better chance to win football games, what happens if it actually ends up being Hackenberg instead? There is always that possibility that perhaps Hackenberg could emerge as the better option and beat out both Petty and McCown.

In an article written by Rich Cimini of ESPN, here is what McCown said about Hackenberg’s progress so far during OTAs:

“He’s how you draw a quarterback up,” McCown said. “Big, strong arm, athletic. He fits that mold, for sure. And his mindset, it’s right on. He works very hard. I think he’s a sharp kid. He’s got a lot in front of him. He’s got a great opportunity.”

More from Jets News

Of course, what happens in light practice and working out at this point of the offseason doesn’t compare to the regular season, but this is some great news to hear.

Many fans of the Jets have written Hackenberg off but again, patience is everything in the grand scheme of things.

Some quarterbacks develop faster than others. Sometimes it might take an extra year or two for everything to come together but for once, the Jets are handling Hackenberg the right way.

He’s a developmental quarterback that when drafted, they knew he would have some issues to work on but the potential is there. It takes patience, coaching, and training for someone in Hackenberg’s situation to get ready for consistent execution.

Overall, McCown’s assessment is a sign for better things to come for Hackenberg. For all we know, we might have gotten it all wrong with the quarterback situation of the Jets and it could be Hackenberg ready to lead the Jets come Week 1.