New York Jets: 3 Key questions entering 2018 training camp

Here are three key questions heading into the opening of New York Jets Training Camp on July 26.

It’s almost time. New York Jets training camp commences on July 26 and there are many questions that need to be answered. Gang Green is looking to rebound off a dreary 5-11 season. Head coach Todd Bowles needs to win games to keep his job but he also has to groom his eventual franchise quarterback (we all know who that is).

It’s a delicate balance, that’s for sure.

Let’s take a look at three key questions that must be answered with training camp just around the corner:

3. Who will be the starting QB Week 1 vs. Detroit?

This, of course, is the million-dollar question. It will be all preseason. In a perfect world, first round draft pick Sam Darnold will win the job outright in training camp and via his preseason play. We all now the world is not perfect. Especially in Jets land.

The favorite to commence the 2018 campaign under center is 39-year old Josh McCown. He’s just a placeholder though but he did perform pretty well as their starter last season. He’s certainly not their future though.

Teddy Bridgewater was impressive in OTAs, but can his surgically repaired knee hold up when he takes a hard hit? Darnold should get every opportunity to capture the starting gig but the Jets have to be careful not to rush him. If he distinguishes himself and earns it then Darnold needs to start in Week One and not look back. Once he is the No. 1 signal-caller, it’s his team.

Odds are that Darnold will either start somewhere around mid-season or in the last few games of 2018. He’s just 21 years old so that’s fine. For now. When the smoke clears following training camp and preseason competition, expect McCown to be under center in the season opener against the Lions on Sept. 10.