Christian Hackenberg: 'I've Grown in a Lot Ways'

USANYJ

Rookie
Jet Fanatics
I love the kid....I'm a documented homer as a penn state guy, but I love hack. Pumped when we took him...he's a prototypical size, a kid who ran tom Brady's offense at 18 years old successfully. He just has an awful line, and Franklin ruined him. I'd love the jets to trade for bill o'brien.
 

USANYJ

Rookie
Jet Fanatics


This is from last year, if you have the time check it out. Guys a little wrong at the end, but the kid has it. Just has to get it back.
 

mykcuz

Franchise Tagged
Jet Fanatics
Jets rookie QB Christian Hackenberg vows to be ready if called upon

Jets rookie QB Christian Hackenberg vows to be ready if called upon

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- If Christian Hackenberg is upset because he's not starting the New York Jets' season finale, he's hiding it rather well.

"The red-shirt year has been the plan from Day 1," the rookie quarterback said Wednesday. "Being able to do what you had to do each day to learn and grow and get comfortable and understand how things work, I think I did that -- and that felt pretty good. So I don't think I have any regrets, looking back."

At least Hackenberg will be in uniform on Sunday -- a first. He will be part of the 46-man game-day roster, serving as the No. 2 quarterback against the Bills. When Bryce Petty (shoulder) went down, fans and media clamored for Hackenberg to start over Ryan Fitzpatrick, who acknowledged Wednesday he's likely a goner after the season.

Prediction: There will be a "We want Hack!" chant at some point during the game.

The Jets refused to succumb to public pressure, giving the start to Fitzpatrick. Barring injury, Hackenberg won't play unless it's a blowout. Then, maybe, he'd get some late, mop-up duty. Clearly, the coaches don't believe he's ready for significant action, which is troubling. After all, he was a second-round pick.

Conversely, give the Jets credit for sticking to the plan. Too often in the past, they operated based on the whims of the fan base.

The upside for Hackenberg is that he's getting first-team reps in practice for the first time. Previously, he was relegated to scout-team duty. After beginning the season as the No. 4 quarterback, he's one injury away from the presidency, so to speak.

"I've had plenty of time to learn, so I feel like I have a good grasp of the offense," Hackenberg said. "This week's been great, getting reps. So I think I'm ready whenever I need to be called, and if that happens, I know that I've prepared to the best of my ability."

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 

Old#15

Old Wise Tale
Jet Fanatics
A different perspective:

Fans will have you believe that second round picks, and maybe they mean positions other than quarterback, don’t typically sit for an entire year. They will also have you believe that every QB taken after round one has a better chance of becoming Tom Brady than the guys taken in round one. Historically, first round quarterbacks are more successful because coaches typically have more reason to invest in those QBs.

Coaches are more patient, and with good reason as the financial commitment to the first round QBs used to be potentially crippling to a franchise. Now, with the rookie slots it is easier to miss on first round picks. Still, if you hit on a QB things suddenly look better. The Philadelphia Eagles traded the farm for Carson Wentz and, despite their losing season, feel good about the direction they are headed in. The Cowboys have a young signal caller in Dak Prescott that has led them to the top seed in the NFC and homefield advantage through the playoffs. These are the examples the fans use to say “look, THIS is why you play Christian Hackenberg.”

Keep in mind that when they make those points, they ignore that Wentz was behind Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel in training camp that he wasn’t even going to dress in regular season games and that it was a freak injury to Teddy Bridgewate changed that. They also ignore that the Cowboys were positioned to be Tony Romo’s team this year until his season was cut short by injury, and that Prescott has been helped by the probable MVP/OPOY/OROY of the league in Ezekial Elliott and the best OL in football and a defense led by Rod Marinelli and a healthy Sean Lee. All of those points get ignored obviously, because they do not fit the following narratives:

“If the Jets start Hackenberg, he will be exposed because we know he won’t be good. The heat will then turn up on Maccagnan, who has proven he sucks as a GM.”

“If the Jets start Hackenberg and he plays well, it exposes Bowles because he had a good QB on the bench and let the season spiral with Fitzpatrick.”

For historical context on the “he probably won’t be good” argument, here’s a list of QBs taken after round one over the last 5 years:

2015

  • Sean Mannion, Bryce Petty, Garrett Grayson, Brett Hundley, Trevor Siemian (one starting QB out of 5, and before you say Siemian is trash know that he is statistically better than Alex Smith this year and sat for a year).
2014

  • Derek Carr, Jimmy Garropolo, Logan Thomas, Tom Savage, Aaron Murray, AJ McCarron, Zach Mettenberger, David Fales, Keith Wenning, Tahj Boyd, Garrett Gilbert (one starting QB out of 11, with Garropolo being most likely the next in the long line of Brady backups that stink outside the Patriots system)
2013

  • Geno Smith, Mike Glennon, Matt Barkley, Ryan Nassib, Tyler Wilson, Landry Jones, Brad Sorensen, Zac Dysert, BJ Daniels, Sean Renfree (the best one of this bunch is the best QB in this draft class, and it’s the best QB on the Jets roster but whose ceiling might just be a backup so 0/10)
2012

  • Brock Osweiler, Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, Kirk Cousins, Ryan Lindley, BJ Coleman, Chandler Harnish (2 out of 7; jumps to 3/7 if you count Foles, but two of the three sat for at least a year)
2011:

  • Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Ryan Mallett, Ricky Stanzi, TJ Yates, Nathan Enderle, Tyrod Taylor, Greg McElroy (3 starters out of 8 QBs selected, two sat while one started right away)


Out of the 41 quarterbacks selected, 8 have become starting QBs in this league with some degrees of success.

Out of those 8, 5 sat on the bench for at least a year and were able to be properly developed. Some, like Kaepernick, were projects and some, like Cousins, were more traditional pocket passers with low ceilings. There aren’t many QBs that can be compared to others because circumstances don’t dictate similarity in regards to the development of passers. 41 taken, and only 8 became good QBs that won games in this league. That means that 19% of the QBs taken after round one have become successful starting QBs in this league. 62% of the ones drafted after round one that eventually became successful after sitting for at least one year.



This shows that historically it makes sense to sit these QBs because they are way too rough to be thrown into the fire right away. Like the pick or not, the Jets realized that they took a kid who is talented but needs to refine alot of his mechanics. The Jets have operated this year as if this is a redshirt year, which is why you see Bowles mention the plan they’ve had for Hackenberg since he was drafted. It’s not sexy, and it’s not how most fans would do it but it is historically the right way to develop these day two and day three quarterbacks.


The pick of Hackenberg has been called narcissistic, and has been called a fireable offense by some. I may not have liked the pick, but all of this reeks of hyperbole and overreaction. It is now reaching its summit as we barrel towards the final game of the season and, with the injury to QB Bryce Petty, calls by vocal fans to start the rookie. These calls come even as Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey has stated multiple times how much work they’re doing and still need to do to get Hackenberg ready. The man that developed Kordell Stewart, and who was able to get something out of a terrible QB in Ryan Fitzpatrick, has been laying out the plan for months. The Jets rushed Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith and are now being killed for trying to do right and develop Hackenberg instead of throwing him into the fire behind an untested offensive line against a talented Bills defensive line. The Jets are finally doing things right for a change when it comes to their young QBs. It’s about time people realize that.
 

Elias

The Invisible Man
Big Fish
Jet Fanatics
Jets Global
Hackenberg may be the first jets qb in a long time who will have little to no expectations. That may bode well for his future.
 

Old#15

Old Wise Tale
Jet Fanatics
I tend to agree, at least I hope this is so. First however, MM has to stock the OL, TE and RB positions so Hack or whomever is QB has the surrounding tools. Right now no QB, or RB for that matter can function behind our sieve of an OL.
 

Elias

The Invisible Man
Big Fish
Jet Fanatics
Jets Global


This is from last year, if you have the time check it out. Guys a little wrong at the end, but the kid has it. Just has to get it back.


love what this guy says about Hackenberg. It's a breath of fresh air to hear that he has the smarts and is not just an athlete. Can't wait to see him out on the field next year.

If we go QB next draft that will mean that the team is not confident in him. If we draft other positions then I think we can start to get excited again!
 

gastineau

Transition Tagged
Jet Fanatics
Who knows maybe after 4 years of investing time & money working with Hackenburg that some other team can pick him up & spend 1-2 years to make something good of him. That team will thank the Jets for wasting time & money saving them both for Hakenburg to be their back up or starter.
 

USANYJ

Rookie
Jet Fanatics
love what this guy says about Hackenberg. It's a breath of fresh air to hear that he has the smarts and is not just an athlete. Can't wait to see him out on the field next year.

If we go QB next draft that will mean that the team is not confident in him. If we draft other positions then I think we can start to get excited again!

I will say, he got destroyed at state because of that line. His footwork is sloppy and it needs to be cleaned up but the kid can read a defense. I really think his confidence is shot.

When he was drafted, urban Meyer said he was highly touted until he started getting hit a lot.

I was very excited we drafted him. Rarely do the players I want end up with my jets. After Sunday, with geno and fitz gone, they can get to working with him and training him. I think getting rid of chan would hurt him. He said he's learned the playbook, getting a new coordinator will just add more for him to have to do. Let him focus on the physical not both equally.

If the jets are set with bringing back Bowles, may as well keep em all for continuity for hack and even Bryce.

Still can't get out of my head that this kid was the top ranked qb coming out of high school, 6'5 with an arm, stayed at a school with sanctions when he could've walked without penalty, ran a prostyle patriot offense effectively at 18. Stuff like that begs you to work with him. I'll be excited for updates on him
 

NYJETSDAN16

Repeat Offender Pro Bowler
Jet Fanatics
Build around the kid.

Cut all the players that have regressed this year and even trade the ones who did the same who are under contract:

Pryor
Wilkerson
Richardson
Revis
Harris
Forte'
Skrine
Clady
Gilchrist
Brandon Marshall

I'd keep Magold if he is willing to take a paycut, if not then lets move on. Re-sign Brian Wnters as he has shown major growth.

Hackenberg needs the type of Offensive line that Dak has down south in Dallas. He nneds a run game. Those can be EXTREMELY feasable with the amount of cap room we will have this off season.

Also, We need a new OC. Fellas, this whole throw on 3rd and one on a constant basis is just really bad. Groom the kid with some one who has been in the Patriots system of coaches.

Jerry Schuplinski-QB coach NE
George Godsey-OC Texans

Charlie Weiss- currently unemployed.

Hack knows that system. Why not allow him to flourish under what he can excel at.
 

gastineau

Transition Tagged
Jet Fanatics
Hacken burg is big & has a strong arm passing. But a QB can be big strong arm but is inaccurate passer & cant get the ball within 3ft to 6ft of WR & is worthless. Jamarcus Russell comes to mind for Raiders. Big guy,strong arm for 70yds but couldnt hit a WR for the life of him. QB, Accuracy is FIRST, arm 2nd, taking ball under Center 3rd & then smarts playing position. After 4 year in College & 1 good year as Freshman, what did Mikey see to draft him over Dak Prescot as far to what I just stated?
 

gmf1369

Jack of All Trades
Big Fish
The Mod Squad
Jet Fanatics
Jets Global
Hacken burg is big & has a strong arm passing. But a QB can be big strong arm but is inaccurate passer & cant get the ball within 3ft to 6ft of WR & is worthless. Jamarcus Russell comes to mind for Raiders. Big guy,strong arm for 70yds but couldnt hit a WR for the life of him. QB, Accuracy is FIRST, arm 2nd, taking ball under Center 3rd & then smarts playing position. After 4 year in College & 1 good year as Freshman, what did Mikey see to draft him over Dak Prescot as far to what I just stated?

A QB that is able to recognize and call adjustments are a rare bread in this league some can learn this over time but someone that started in college has only elevated this craft over the years...

Hackenberg's one issue is the confidence he had behind a horrid offensive line after his freshman year... This led to poor footwork in the pocket knowing his offensive line could block a nose bleed...

Like you said he has a strong arm, to go along with a high football IQ and level accuracy (meaning he can be accurate short, medium and deep passes)... He has the height and mobility also to go along with these unique attributes...

He needs time with the 1's during practice to really develop rapport with the receivers, tight ends and running backs so he knows how to use them in key moments... This week was huge for his development being redshirted all season not only working on his pocket presence but getting a better grasp of the play book...

CH this off season will get more reps with the 1s & 2s to further along his development... As long as he cleans up his footwork, he could end up competing with whichever veterans we bring in to compete for the starting job... Petty will likely be out until season's start and could start the year on the PUP list... No reason to just throw him away because he also has upside...
 

USANYJ

Rookie
Jet Fanatics
Build around the kid.

Cut all the players that have regressed this year and even trade the ones who did the same who are under contract:

Pryor
Wilkerson
Richardson
Revis
Harris
Forte'
Skrine
Clady
Gilchrist
Brandon Marshall

I'd keep Magold if he is willing to take a paycut, if not then lets move on. Re-sign Brian Wnters as he has shown major growth.

Hackenberg needs the type of Offensive line that Dak has down south in Dallas. He nneds a run game. Those can be EXTREMELY feasable with the amount of cap room we will have this off season.

Also, We need a new OC. Fellas, this whole throw on 3rd and one on a constant basis is just really bad. Groom the kid with some one who has been in the Patriots system of coaches.

Jerry Schuplinski-QB coach NE
George Godsey-OC Texans

Charlie Weiss- currently unemployed.

Hack knows that system. Why not allow him to flourish under what he can excel at.

Agreed, what hurt Sanchez is he had to learn different offenses constantly. Doing that to hack would hurt him I think. If we do make a change then I agree it has to be an offense that he knows already, otherwise he is just starting from scratch.

Build that line!!!!

Looking back on mangini he did just that with brick and mangold. Two pro bowlers who have held the line for a decade. That's what we need to do again. Wouldn't mind using our first two picks on the best olineman available. We will never find a qb if our five linemen are busy all blocking one rusher.

Hack can play, give him an offseason of training and confidence building and I think he shows vast improvement.
 

USANYJ

Rookie
Jet Fanatics
A QB that is able to recognize and call adjustments are a rare bread in this league some can learn this over time but someone that started in college has only elevated this craft over the years...

Hackenberg's one issue is the confidence he had behind a horrid offensive line after his freshman year... This led to poor footwork in the pocket knowing his offensive line could block a nose bleed...

Like you said he has a strong arm, to go along with a high football IQ and level accuracy (meaning he can be accurate short, medium and deep passes)... He has the height and mobility also to go along with these unique attributes...

He needs time with the 1's during practice to really develop rapport with the receivers, tight ends and running backs so he knows how to use them in key moments... This week was huge for his development being redshirted all season not only working on his pocket presence but getting a better grasp of the play book...

CH this off season will get more reps with the 1s & 2s to further along his development... As long as he cleans up his footwork, he could end up competing with whichever veterans we bring in to compete for the starting job... Petty will likely be out until season's start and could start the year on the PUP list... No reason to just throw him away because he also has upside...

Everyone is hailing Franklin for bringing psu back but hack never fit that system. If you watch grudens qb camp with him it shows the differences that the coaching staff did to him after obrien left. Hanging foot placement and giving him less free reign at the line.

I would think that Mac spoke to obrien about the kid considering he recruited him and started him at 18.
 

USANYJ

Rookie
Jet Fanatics
Looks like chan is gonna be out... wonder what that does to hack now that he spent a whole year learning an offense that won't be the same. Waste of time. Now he has to learn a new offense again and work on his mechanics. Hopefully the offense that is implemented is one he recognizes
 

Bigmoe

Happily Confused
The Mod Squad
Jet Fanatics
Jets Global
So it reported this morning that Hack has " regressed " all season.
From the Jets " he couldn't hit the ocean "
Great pick
Keep up the good work Mac and Todd.
 

McJet

Repeat Offender Pro Bowler
Jet Fanatics
So it reported this morning that Hack has " regressed " all season.
From the Jets " he couldn't hit the ocean "
Great pick
Keep up the good work Mac and Todd.

Just saw that. Grrrreeeaaattt.
 
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