QB Race Set to Begin

OverviewJosh McCown, Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty all will vie to be the Jets’ opening-day starter in Buffalo on September 10. At the end of minicamp, Jets head coach Todd Bowles told the media that he didn’t look at any signal caller as the “front-runner” and that things will sort themselves out in training camp. In the SpotlightBowles removed the “redshirt” tag from Hackenberg this spring, declaring in March that Hackenberg will have an opportunity to start in Year 2. The Penn State product, a second-round pick in 2016, displayed more confidence during OTAs and minicamp while getting a good feel for the offense. Bowles expects Hackenberg to return to Florham Park and let loose, firing the ball without any hesitation.Reunited The 38-year-old McCown, who is with his 10th NFL club, spent time with Bowles, QB coach Jeremy Bates and offensive coordinator John Morton in Miami, Chicago and San Francisco respectively. “I like the way this group has come together this spring. It seems like a young team, but it’s the right mix to me because you do have the right veterans that are able to pull guys along and bring us together,” McCown said in June. “I’ve really enjoyed this spring. It’s been, for me, one of the more enjoyable ones, just because of how people have come together.” Better for the Experience Bryce Petty looked no worse for the wear after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. He appeared in his first six pro games last season and Bowles liked the way he was throwing the ball throughout the springs and grasping the new offense. "Bryce is coming off surgery and hasn't missed a beat, he hasn't flinched,” Bates said. “He's out there every day grinding, throwing, hasn't missed a snap. He has a great skillset. He makes a lot of plays 'off schedule,' he has football savvy, and he dove right into the playbook." Rep Distribution The Bowles plan for the quarterbacks will be revealed on Day 1 of camp, so tune it to the head coach’s Saturday news conference on NewYorkJets.com.

QB Race Set to Begin

Jets Head to Camp with No Front-Runner, Open Competition Set to Commence