The Trump Administration can take a page form the Jets’ quarterback situation. There aren’t any leaks about who will be the starter on Sept. 10.
Instead, head coach Todd Bowles was tight-lipped about the imminent future of all three signal callers about their play against the Giants as well as when the announcement will come on the starter in the opener.
At practice Thursday, Bowles didn’t indicate the playing time of Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg, and Bryce Petty, although McCown – the veteran viewed as the opening-day starter – would likely play the majority of time.
But Bowles danced around the question stating that McCown could still be the starter even if his time was limited against the Giants. He said his decision would be made after meeting with the coaches after practice Thursday.
Bowles also raised the possibility that the Jets final preseason game at home against Philadelphia Aug. 31 could be another window to determine playing time.
Even though he appeared in one series over two games and has had a light work week – one rep Thursday with the practice squad – McCown could be the starter based on his overall performance in camp.
“He’s (McCown) has gotten a lot of work in practice previously,” said Bowles. “He had a good drive the first game. I wanted to see the other two guys play.”
Despite the lack of work, McCown believes he can step into any situation.
“I have to be ready to go,” he said. “I have been through things like this before. The reps don’t have anything to do with it. I know that there is a plan in place. They want to try and get the two young guys ready and up to speed.”
If Bowles does have McCown wearing a baseball cap most of the night against the Giants, Hackenberg would appear to be the one to get playing time into the third quarter. The Jets apparently want to have another audition rather than his lackluster half against Detroit last week.
“I Just need to get in the flow of the game, and then carry that through,” said Hackenberg.
“I thought that was the biggest difference from the first week to last week. I was able to get in a flow [against the Titans], and things kind of rolled. That’s something I’ve worked on throughout practice this week. And I feel pretty good about it moving forward.”
The Jets should also have a better feel for things after Saturday night.