We can find out what type of player we have with these three traits... We know he may not be ready but there really isn't going to be an ideal time to start him... The offensive line may be offensive but it can be a solid unit with the right game plan... The running backs are versatile run/pass catchers that should alleviate the blitz packages on every down... Finally the receiving core isn't a bunch of scrubs, have talent in both the wide receiver and tight end positions...
So what do we need to find out about Hackenberg?
Poise. Will he persevere even as the season goes from bad to miserable? Or will he fold? What he showed in college could be a basis of what may happen here... He showed that moxy that the team determined was one of the traits that made him an intriguing option, because he didn't have the word quit in him...
Ability. Even if he throws a multitude of interceptions, is he making the right reads, and are whatever mechanical problems he’ll have correctable? We know he has the arm strength, and has the touch/accuracy, so solving the footwork in the pocket will help him be more effective at this level...
Leadership. He showed command in the huddle during the off season practices, and that should carry over... But if it doesn’t, the hierarchy will know immediately that they’ve got the wrong guy.
If Hackenberg can’t do it, they’ve still got the 38-year-old McCown and all his experience as a fallback...
Then they can figure out the Darnold stuff once the USC star decides his future...
If Hackenberg can do it, then it won’t matter what path Darnold chooses. The Jets will be going in a different direction...
So what do we need to find out about Hackenberg?
Poise. Will he persevere even as the season goes from bad to miserable? Or will he fold? What he showed in college could be a basis of what may happen here... He showed that moxy that the team determined was one of the traits that made him an intriguing option, because he didn't have the word quit in him...
Ability. Even if he throws a multitude of interceptions, is he making the right reads, and are whatever mechanical problems he’ll have correctable? We know he has the arm strength, and has the touch/accuracy, so solving the footwork in the pocket will help him be more effective at this level...
Leadership. He showed command in the huddle during the off season practices, and that should carry over... But if it doesn’t, the hierarchy will know immediately that they’ve got the wrong guy.
If Hackenberg can’t do it, they’ve still got the 38-year-old McCown and all his experience as a fallback...
Then they can figure out the Darnold stuff once the USC star decides his future...
If Hackenberg can do it, then it won’t matter what path Darnold chooses. The Jets will be going in a different direction...