Jets’ Hackenberg ignores critics, focuses on making progress
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. » Christian Hackenberg has plenty of critics, many of whom think the New York Jets’ second-year quarterback will never be an NFL starter.
And that’s before the former Penn State starter has even played in a regular-season game.
“That’s their opinions,” Hackenberg said of the naysayers. “I can’t really speak for them, whoever it is.”
Hackenberg was drafted in the second round last year, a pick some thought was a reach because of his struggles with the Nittany Lions in his last two seasons following a fabulous freshman campaign. He was widely considered a project who needed work on his mechanics, footwork and overall approach.
It didn’t help that Hackenberg went 17 of 47 for 159 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in his two preseason appearances last summer. And, even as the quarterbacks carousel spun with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty taking turns under center during the regular season, Hackenberg never saw the field.
“I know what I can do,” Hackenberg said. “And I know what my coaching staff feels I can do, so I’m just confident in my abilities. And when I get my opportunity to play, I’m going to do that.”
Sounds like a guy who knows he has lots to prove — to everyone other than himself.
“I’m confident that I can play at this level, and play at a high level,” he said. “So, when I get my opportunity, I’m going to take advantage of that.”
Hackenberg is competing with Petty and veteran Josh McCown for the starting job in what the Jets have characterized as an open competition that might not be decided until sometime in training camp.
McCown is the early favorite to be under center in Week 1 at Buffalo on Sept. 10, having worked mostly with the starters during practices open to the media. But with New York’s offseason purge of veteran stars, including wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the franchise’s sights are firmly set on the future.
Hackenberg will get the chance to show whether he can be the quarterback to lead the Jets this season — and perhaps beyond. At 6-foot-4 and a solid 228 pounds with a cannon arm, Hackenberg certainly looks the part.
“I love the way he prepares and the way he competes,” offensive coordinator John Morton said at the start of organized activities two weeks ago. “I’m talking about competing in the classroom, too. Guys have to learn to do that, and be a pro and be a student of the game and learn to take notes and those things. He’s doing those things.”
Police investigating assault complaint against Rex Ryan
NASHVILLE, TENN. » Nashville police are investigating a misdemeanor assault complaint made by a man who says former Bills and Jets coach Rex Ryan grabbed him by the neck.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said that Matthew Havel, a 30-year-old from Pueblo, Colorado, made the complaint Sunday night.
Havel told police that he saw the Ryan brothers — Rex and former NFL defensive coordinator Rob Ryan — at the Margaritaville restaurant in downtown Nashville near Bridgestone Arena. Aaron said Havel indicated he went up to the Ryans’ table and was there for over an hour before Rex Ryan “reached across and grabbed at his neck.”
Havel told police the incident was unprovoked.
Rex Ryan is a longtime Nashville Predators ticket holder who has been seen at many of their playoff games.
Ravens release Pitta
OWINGS MILLS, MD. » The Baltimore Ravens have released tight end Dennis Pitta with an injury waiver after he hurt his right hip for a third time in practice last week.
The injury occurred during an offseason practice session Friday. Each time Pitta hurt the hip previously, the injury was serious enough to be considered career-threatening.