Multiple players can fit this bill for the New York Jets. For example, I can make this about Quincy Enunwa who is now looking at becoming the #1 WR on the Jets. On the other hand, Robby Anderson who flashed moments of greatness last season as an undrafted free agent. I could also use an offensive lineman for this position but let us be honest none of these are the sexy pick for Offensive Player Spotlight. So who did I pick for the Offensive Player Spotlight, I picked quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
There are multiple reasons that I picked Hackenberg mainly because this franchise needs to know where they stand at the QB position. Is Hackenberg the future of the team or do the New York Jets need to go out and find them a QB for the future? This is year 2 for Hackenberg and it is time he steps up. He needs to beat out veteran Josh McCown for the starting QB job in addition to that he will need to keep the starting job by playing well. He will need to make smart reads, know when to get rid of the football, and when to take the risk of trying to fit a ball in. What Jets fans should expect from him VS what we will accept, as a good season will be vastly different of course. Jets fans will probably expect him to be the second coming of “Broadway” Joe Namath when realistically he needs to be a game manager and allow Matt Forte and that offensive line dictate the tempo of the game.
The Jets do not have to lose all hope if Christian Hackenberg does not work out because they do have Bryce Petty waiting in the wings. The problem is he has been around a little longer than Hackenberg and he has not made that step yet to starter and I do not know that he ever will take that step to the next level. However, he may have to if Hackenberg does not do it this season. I expect 3,000 yards, 21 TDs, and 12 INTs with a 5-11 record for next season.
Editor’s Note: This article can also be seen in our upcoming NFL Preview Edition.