Jets’ QB coach: Christian accurate

“Right now, we’re studying our playbook. We can’t focus on September, August. We’re focused on today.”

Hackenberg continues to endure both highs and lows during spring practices. On Tuesday, the 6-4, 228-pound signal-caller went 11-of-14 with a touchdown and an interception, which was one of his only poor throws of the afternoon. Hackenberg followed that up Wednesday by completing 7 of 15 passes with a touchdown. He was also sacked three times.

The touchdown pass was a well-designed and wellexecuted play. Hackenberg rolled out to his right inside the red zone and fired a pinpoint pass to rookie running back Elijah McGuire on the run. The Jets offensive coaching staff erupted when McGuire crossed the plane, and Hackenberg received a number of high-fives.

A play earlier, though, Hackenberg nearly threw an interception after making a head-scratching decision. He dropped back and unleashed a bullet over the middle that went directly to safety Rontez Miles. But the ball went through Miles’ hands. It should have been a pick.

McCown and Petty endured similar struggles Wednesday. McCown completed 14 of his 21 throws — one of which he caught himself behind the line after a defender batted the ball down — with an interception. He was also sacked four times. Petty was 10 of 14 with a touchdown. But he also threw an interception to Dexter McDougle.

The competition rages on. The Jets will hold their final minicamp practice Thursday. The team will then reconvene July 28 for the start of training camp.

Despite the impending deadline, Bates doesn’t feel any added pressure to accelerate Hackenberg’s development.

“It’s a process,” Bates said. “You’ve got to grow. There’s going to be bumps in the road. We can’t hit the same bump the next day. He’s shown progress, and we’ll keep going forward.”