The suspense is over.
The Jets have named Josh McCown as their starting quarterback for week 1 of the 2017-18 season.
Head coach Todd Bowles made the announcement on Monday that McCown won the job over Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty.
The options at quarterback weren’t exactly appetizing for Bowles and his coaching staff.
Hackenberg, despite the team’s efforts to get him as many preseason snaps as possible, failed to show enough which would convince anyone he’s ready for the job.
The Jets are eventually going to have to give Hackenberg a chance, which likely won’t come until later on in the season. He’s only 22, but also a second-round draft pick the team’s still looking to justify.
Petty didn’t see much in snaps during training camp played arguably his best game in the Jets loss to the Giants, this past Saturday night. He suffered a reported sprained MCL in the final minutes of the game, another injury he’s had to overcome.
McCown has only been on the field for one series in preseason for the Jets, their first game against Tennessee. The flipside, however, is he’s a 38-years old veteran who’s ideal for the position the Jets are currently in. They need a quarterback who the offense can feel confident in the huddle with.
The Jets are not giving the job to McCown because of his career numbers, he has an 18-42 record. But he’s been around the NFL long enough to function as a quarterback who can hold the fort down until the Jets are ready to move on to the next option.
McCown can also continue serving as a mentor to Petty and Hackenberg. Petty’s track record suits him to be a logical choice for backup quarterback when the season starts. His knee injury, however, warrants keeping an eye on.
Bowles has not named his backup yet.