Annoyed Todd Bowles bats away questions about Christian Hackenburg, Bryce Petty
With Geno Smith done for the season and Ryan Fitzpatrick struggling, the New York Jets are dealing with some questions about their quarterbacks. One of those questions is who the No. 2 quarterback is, because injuries and struggles dictate that they could be called into action.
The two other quarterback options would be rookie Christian Hackenburg and second-year backup Bryce Petty. Who’s the next man up? Coach Todd Bowles really, really doesn’t want to say.
“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 Friday, via Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk. “I’m not going to tell you anything. It’s not open for discussion. Guys, let it ride.”
When pressed, Bowles grew more annoyed.
“Can we move on from here? Let’s move on please. It’s not happening,” Bowles said.
The coach did clarify that both players are on equal footing, have practiced well, and would be prepared to step up if needed. He simply refused to say who would get the first look.
What we do know is that, at least in August, Hackenburg struggled so much that he wasn’t even getting a look during preseason games. Perhaps that has changed. We can also assume that, in all likelihood, Bowles and the Jets would rather not be put in a position of having to find out.
