New York Jets: 4 Bold predictions for the 2017 season

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Sep 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets, 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Christian Hackenberg will start the season opener

Of all the storylines that will be on display at Jets training camp this July, the battle for the starting quarterback position will undoubtedly be the most interesting — and most important. The combatants will be veteran Josh McCown, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. Yikes, that’s an ugly trio.

At first glance, you might think that the favorite to open the season would be McCown, a 15-year veteran with 14,242 passing yards and 79 career touchdown passes to his credit. McCown could be a placeholder for one season while the other two young quarterbacks watch and learn. What purpose would that serve though? McCown will be 38 years old when training camp opens and he’s been a backup for most of his NFL career. Let him hold a clipboard in 2017 — it’s time to look towards the future.

Petty appears to be option No. 2, but he was pretty unimpressive in his four starts for Gang Green last season — his QB rating was a dismal 19.4 — so all eyes should turn to Hackenberg, a second-round pick (51st overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft.

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The Jets have a lot invested in the Penn State product and it’s time to see what he can do on the gridiron. Hackenberg is not going to progress standing on the sideline; he needs to start the season opener at Buffalo on Sept. 10. This is a rebuilding year anyway. Not much is expected of New York. There is no better time to find out how the 6-4, 223-pound signal-caller can perform in regular season NFL action than the present.

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