Christian Hackenberg steps up and delivers

As the New York Jets showed signs of hope in their Preseason Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, all eyes were on quarterback Christian Hackenberg who stepped up and delivered.

Now, before anyone starts predicting the New York Jets as early NFL Playoff contenders, remember that this is just preseason football. With that being said, it was a sigh of relief to see that the Jets didn’t look like the worst team in all of professional football like everyone has been saying for months now in their 7-3 win over the Tennessee Titans.

Last night, the Jets showed passion, execution, and yes, they played with heart. It’s a much better situation this time around compared to last season as everyone looks like they’re serious about contending despite all the outside noise. Of course, in the city that never sleeps, all eyes are always on the quarterback.

Veteran quarterback Josh McCown played well in limited fashion but at the end of the day, all eyes were on Christian Hackenberg. You’ve more than likely heard that he hit reporters with his passes in training camp or that he’s a bust despite never playing a single snap in a regular season game. Make no mistake about it, Hackenberg played rather well and undoubtedly silenced some critics.

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Hackenberg went 18/25 and threw for 127 passing yards against the Titans. Best of all, he threw no interceptions which will be a huge confidence booster for him.

For a few weeks now, he’s had a few hiccups here and there but to go into a preseason game, take control of the huddle, and look confident in the pocket proves that Hackenberg might not be the bust everyone proclaims him to be.

Progression will be key for him as he should use this game to continue inspiring him to be the man that earns the starting quarterback position on the Jets. It won’t be easy but there is hope that over the next few weeks and with more experience in preseason action, perhaps Hackenberg can make his case that he’s ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Hackenberg didn’t play lights out football but he showed some solid improvement compared to what we saw last year in preseason football. It’s not enough to immediately give him the starting spot but it’s a step in the right direction. Seeing him step up and deliver in his first preseason games proves that he could indeed live up to his potential.

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