New York Jets

Jets are wise in being patient with Christian Hackenberg

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:59 p.m. ET

Fansided, Luis Tirado Jr./FanSided via The Jet Press

As the New York Jets are hoping to end this season on a high note, they are actually wise in not entertaining the idea of starting quarterback Christian Hackenberg anytime soon.

While many fans of the New York Jets are anxious to see what quarterback Christian Hackenberg can do under center, it’s actually best they continue to not dress him this season. We’ll never know what goes on behind closed doors but there is probably a big reason why he has yet to see any playing time during the regular season.

Make no mistake about it, not everyone has an easy transition into the NFL as a rookie. Not everyone will be like Marcus Mariota or Dak Prescott as some develop later than others in their respective careers. Such is probably the case with Hackenberg which for all we know, is nowhere near ready to be a starting quarterback.

As was evident in all his scouting reports leading to him being selected in 2016 NFL Draft, he has a very long way to go before grasping everything that entails being a successful quarterback. With how the situation is for the Jets at the most important position on the team, it makes a lot of sense to not rush things with him and remain patient.

Hackenberg is a developmental kind of quarterback that needs a few years under his belt before he could be able to handle everything in stride. Starting him with just two games left this season won’t really accomplish much of anything since everyone knows he’s still learning.

Considering that quarterback Bryce Petty will more than likely be healthy enough to start in Week 16 against the New England Patriots, the Jets should continue with him starting to end the season. It makes the most sense and well, is more of a priority for Petty’s development than to start Hackenberg in meaningless games he’s not going to be ready for.

There is no telling just how good or bad Hackenberg will be but time is of the essence. Just like how other teams in the NFL handle it, rookie quarterbacks need proper coaching, training sessions, and above all else, time for them to develop properly.

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For a franchise as horrible as the Jets when it comes to developing franchise quarterbacks, this is the best thing they can do for Hackenberg. The potential could possibly be there but again, patience is a great virtue not only in life but in this situation with the Jets.

Most fans of the Jets want immediate results, especially with how bad this season has been but shouldn’t lose focus of what’s more important for the future. With Petty and Hackenberg in the mix, in another year or two, we’ll all know how this turns out.

Hopefully, it’ll be for the better and one of these two turn out to be the real deal and bring consistency to the table at quarterback. For Hackenberg, the sky is the limit as long as he’s developed over time the right way and everyone is patient to see how he pans out.