Backup-QB situation left a mystery
ORCHARD PARK — The Jets are the only team who could have a mystery surrounding their backup quarterback.
Christian Hackenberg served as the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback in Sunday’s 21-12 loss to the Bills, but it was unclear whether he earned the job or got it by default.
“That was a coach’s decision,” coach Todd Bowles said.
Hackenberg got the nod over Bryce Petty, who was inactive, but it was unclear if the decision was made because Petty’s sprained left knee was not healthy enough for him to play.
It would appear that is why Hackenberg was slotted in as the backup. The two quarterbacks warmed up, with Petty wearing a large brace on the knee. Then he was declared inactive. But when Bowles was asked whether Petty was healthy, all he would say was: “He had a full week of practice.”
Petty only parroted Bowles.
“It was coach’s decision,” he said.
When asked if he could have played, Petty said, “I got in trouble for saying too much. It was just coach’s decision.”
Bowles made a really strange remark when asked if they could switch backup quarterbacks as the season goes on.
“It could change,” Bowles said. “It will probably change all the time.”
Two newcomers were bright spots for the Jets. Receiver Jermaine Kearse led the Jets with seven catches for 59 yards. He only joined the team on Sept. 2 after coming over from the Seahawks in the trade for Sheldon Richardson.
“I felt pretty good,” Kearse said. “It’s just gonna continue to get better with time. ... As the season goes, we’re gonna get more familiar with each other.”
Defensive end Kony Ealy also had a big game. Ealy had four tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit and a pass defensed. Ealy was claimed off waivers from the Patriots two weeks ago.
The 214 total yards for the Jets were their lowest since they had 204 against the Broncos on Oct. 12, 2014. … Rookies Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye both started the game. It was the first time since the merger in 1970 that a team had two starting rookie safeties on opening day.