New York Jets: Assessing the quarterback position entering training camp

Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Assessing the quarterback position of the New York Jets entering their 2017 training camp.

The New York Jets open their 2017 training camp on July 28 and without a doubt the most interesting story line will be who will win the starting quarterback job. No one is expecting a Joe Montana vs. Steve Young-like battle between Hall of Fame signal-callers but how this competition plays out should be quite interesting indeed.

The candidates are Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. That’s a pretty depressing group but that’s what Jets fans are stuck with. It’s going to be a long year. Minicamps and OTA’s are over now and the anticipation will continue to grow as training camp draws closer. Which of these signal-callers will be under center when the Jets commence their 2017 season at the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 10?

Let’s take a look at all three quarterbacks and see where they stand as the month of June quickly draws to a close.

Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) throws during mini camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh McCown

The grizzled veteran will be 38 years old when camp opens. Thirty eight! The Jets will be his eighth NFL team and the 6-foot-4, 212-pounder has essentially been a backup quarterback most of his career. In his 14 NFL campaigns, McCown’s teams have an overall record of 79-145 (.353). That means he should fit right in with Gang Green.

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The Jacksonville, TX native appears to be the early favorite to win the starting quarterback nod based on his performance in minicamp and OTAs and also because head coach Todd Bowles could very well be coaching for his job. McCown might give him the best chance to win at this point. However, with a roster void of premier talent, the Jets will be fortunate to win five games this coming season.

I realize that Bowles feels he has to win as many games as possible to save his job but New York would be much better served in the long run to have Hackenberg and Petty battle it out for the number one role. McCown has no future with the Jets. He probably should be retired by now. It’s time to see what the two younger quarterbacks can do once and for all.