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New York Jets: Bryce Petty can be better version of Josh McCown

By Michael Pallas

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets passes against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets passes against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets are starting Bryce Petty over Christian Hackenberg, and he can be a better version of what we’ve seen Josh McCown do this season.

Josh McCown has become the latest quarterback of the New York Jets to be beset by injury. Since 1980, no Jets quarterback has started 16 games for this team. It’s hit the team badly since 1999.

Vinny Testaverde ruptured his Achilles, Chad Pennington tore his rotator cuff, Brett Favre tore his biceps tendon, Geno Smith’s jaw was broken, and the shoulder of Mark Sanchez was injured as well. The worst part is that Favre and Testaverde were both on teams that, with them, had Super Bowl aspirations.

When McCown broke his left hand against the Broncos, it was an all too familiar scene. Now it’s next man up. McCown was supposed to abdicate his starting spot as one who was preparing the young guys to enter. Now it’s time for the student to take over for the teacher.

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Bryce Petty can excel in this offense, because not only does he have accuracy, he also has a much better arm than McCown. Not only do they now have a quarterback with a cannon for an arm, but Robby Anderson has developed into a No. 1 receiver.

From Petty’s first start last year and into the preseason this year, there seems to be a viable connection there. Anderson has also developed into one of the league’s best deep threats. His speed also allows him to run after the catch. Having a player with the arm talent of Petty will only aid the yards after catch, because Petty can get Anderson the ball quicker.

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The move may have been necessitated by injury, but it’s the right move. The combination of Petty and Anderson has huge potential to become a dangerous duo. Petty will show how much he’s learned, and there may still be growing pains — much like in Week 15. That said, he will be the guy going forward.

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