Jets GM not bothered by Hackenberg’s progress

By Dennis Waszak Jr. FLORHAM PARK, N.J. » Christian Hackenberg remains a big mystery for the New York Jets.

The second-year quarterback has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game, and it appears he won’t get an opportunity any time soon.

Hackenberg is the Jets’ No. 3 quarterback, stuck behind backup Bryce Petty and 38-year-old starter Josh McCown. For a player selected in the second round of the NFL draft, some might have expected a lot more progress — at least on the depth chart.

“I think the one thing with any player is they all develop at different paces and different rates,” general manager Mike Maccagnan said Wednesday. “I think (the preseason) was good experience for Christian. I think we got an idea of areas where he still needs to improve upon, like every young player.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say (I’m) discouraged.”

But lots of Jets fans would, especially those who were hoping Hackenberg would seize the starting job during training camp. Instead, the former Penn State star fell further away from being an NFL starter.

Hackenberg went 32 of 74 for 372 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions this summer, along with a dismal 68.1 quarterback rating.

With the Jets sitting at 4-5 and McCown playing solid football, New York isn’t looking to make any kind of switch under center. While the focus going into this season was the future with an all-out rebuild, the Jets find themselves sitting right in the middle of the playoff picture.

“I think Christian has done some positive things,” Maccagnan said during a 30-minute midseason roundtable with reporters. “There are areas he still needs to improve upon, but I’m encouraged with the work he and Bryce are putting in.”