Is Christian Hackenberg The New York Jets Backup QB?
Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets coach Todd Bowles has still yet to name the backup quarterback for Sunday. Could that mean Christian Hackenberg has a shot?

Once Geno Smith went down with his injury it seemed clear that Bryce Petty would be the New York Jets backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Not so fast. That may not be the case since Todd Bowles has yet to name the backup.

When asked about it today, Bowles seemed to get pretty frustrated with the entire situation.

“No offense, but if I’m not going to tell you who it is, why are we having this discussion? It’s really a waste of time,” Bowles said. “I’m not going to tell you anything. It’s not open for discussion. Guys, let it ride.”

Bowles isn’t one to open up and be talkative, he likes to give out the bare minimum of information. He’s the opposite of previous coach Rex Ryan, who would practically give the press a copy of his game plan for Sunday.

What this means for the Jets is one of two things. Either Bryce Petty has taken a step back missing all that time due to injury or Christian Hackenberg has made significant strides.

Hopefully, it’s the second option. Hackenberg looked shaky in the limited time he saw during the preseason. While Petty showed signs of progressing in his second year in the league.

Ultimately, it seems like Fitz and Geno Smith will be gone after this year so it seems like a safe bet that one if not both of these kids will be fighting for the starting job come 2017. If Hackenberg has really improved then, by all means, he should get the shot.

A frustrating start to the season has seemed to get to coach Bowles. This is New York, you’re going to have to answer tough questions. For now, we wait until Sunday to see who dresses as Fitzpatrick’s backup.

 NEXT:  

I'm a Jets, Islanders and Mets fan from Long Island. I'm the General Manager of my college radio station WFTU Riverhead where I also do a sports talk show called "This Week In Sports". In addition to ESNY I'm a co-editor of EyesOnIsles.com. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -Wayne Gretzky" -Michael Scott