Hack quietly re-tooling mechanics
On Thursday, NFL Network reported that the Jets’ Christian Hackenberg has been working with quarterback whisperer Jeff Christensen in an attempt to completely re-tool his throwing motion. Christensen told the station that Hackenberg was forced to “start from scratch” with his mechanics.
Todd Bowles confirmed that report Saturday, after the Jets’ second day of minicamp, saying he’s “aware of” the changes Hackenberg made. But in a surprising turn, Bowles revealed Hackenberg did not consult him before implementing the sweeping alterations.
“He hasn’t talked to me about it. He just worked on it,” Bowles said. “I’ve learned about it after that fact.”
Hackenberg, a former second-round pick in 2016, has yet to play a regular-season snap for the Jets. His roster spot with the team appears to be in jeopardy heading into spring practices and training camp. The Jets cut former fourth-round pick Bryce Petty on Thursday, trimming their quarterback total down to four. Could Hackenberg be next? The Jets also have Sam Darnold, Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater on the roster.
Bowles has watched Hackenberg throw briefly as the team resumed offseason workouts. “But he hasn’t been on the field enough for me to notice completely,” Bowles said of the throwing-motion adjustments.
“As the weeks go on, you’ll be able to tell,” Bowles added. “Right now, it’s still early.”
TEDDY WILL GET TO WORK
Bowles said he expects Bridgewater to “be out there throwing and competing with everybody else” when OTAs begin later this month.
Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury in training camp in 2016 that forced him to miss most of the last two seasons. Both Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan have been reticent to label Bridgewater fully healthy, but the QB is on — or slightly ahead of — schedule with his rehab, according to people familiar with the situation. When asked Saturday if Bridgewater has been running with the team, Bowles said, “He’s been working out with us.”
Bowles wouldn’t divulge if Bridgewater will have any limitations at the start of OTAs. “When it gets to that point,” Bowles said, “I’ll be able to tell you.”
ROUGH EXCHANGES FOR SAM
Darnold participated in his second full day of professional practice Saturday in Florham Park, wrapping up this weekend’s rookie minicamp. He fumbled the first snap of 11-on-11 drills for the second straight day and finished with two botched exchanges in the sessions and five for the weekend. Much of those struggles, though, can be attributed to him receiving the ball from rookie tryout centers.
Once again, Darnold flashed greatness with his arm. He found running back Ryan Green down the left sideline for a big gain, showing off the touch on his deep ball. On another play, Darnold fired a snap throw to his left, finding receiver Phillip Mayhue on a comeback route. The ball whizzed past the hands of a charging defensive back. It was a money throw. Mayhue turned and ran 20 yards down the sideline before he was touched.
“He’s comfortable, but obviously he’s doing a lot of learning,” Bowles said of Darnold. “He’s taking in a lot in the playbook and the installation. He’s getting used to the new guys, he’s getting used to the line, but he’s coming along. He’s making progress. Every day will be a progression for him.”
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers had the pleasure of coaching his son, Kacy Rodgers II, this weekend at Jets camp. Rodgers II, a safety, made a nice play Saturday in 11-on-11 drills, breaking up one of Darnold’s passes. Bowles said he’s known Rodgers II for 12 years.
“I think it’s great,” Bowles said. “I look at Kacy’s face sometimes and I look at him every time his son makes a play or gets out there and I can see it in the father-son situation. I think that’s great thing for him, just to be in the same camp with your dad is probably pretty cool.”