Jets should give Christian Hackenberg a shot

Head coach Todd Bowles named Bryce Petty starter for the rest of the season, but is that the right decision? The New York Jets spent a 2016 second round pick on Christian Hackenberg, and he deserves a chance.

The Week 14 loss to the Denver Broncos all but assured that the New York Jets will be without postseason football in 2017. Despite a stellar season from Josh McCown, his season-ending injury has passed the torch to Bryce Petty. Todd Bowles was decisive with his pick, but did he make the right call? As Christian Hackenberg remains on the bench, many fans will wonder if he’ll ever take a regular season snap as a Jet.

Many fans, including myself, expected to see Hackenberg take snaps at this point in the season. However, solid QB play from McCown and parity in the AFC kept Hackenberg and Petty on the bench. Petty has had opportunities in the past but now that the Jets have nothing to lose, It’s time for Hackenberg to get his shot.

Let’s make some things clear. Bryce Petty gives the Jets their best chance to win, and Hackenberg did not impress in training camp or preseason. But Hackenberg needs game experience if he’s going to develop properly.

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Can he read a pro defense? Does he have a rapport with WRs? These are questions that need answering. The Jets invested a second-round pick in Hackenberg, and it would be a shame to keep him on the bench for two years.

Looking towards 2018, the quarterback position will yet again be the biggest question mark. Having exceeded expectations, the Jets may have played themselves out of position to draft a top QB out of college.

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The front office must leave no stone unturned, and that starts with playing Hackenberg. It’s unlikely that he’s the QB of the future, but he deserves a chance to prove himself if he could be.