Ex-Jet Hack’s last chance

Christian Hackenberg may have played just one professional football game in his life, but he's already running out of time.

The former Jets second-round pick will get a second – and maybe final — chance with the Memphis Express after a forgettable debut in the start-up Alliance of American Football.

Hackenberg will start against the Arizona Hotshots on Saturday despite a rough first outing (10 for 23 for 86 yards and an interception) in a shutout loss last weekend.

“Having an opportunity to come back at home and start it off, let's see how you bounce back,” Memphis head coach Mike Singletary said in the run-up to his team's home opener. “Let's see what statement you have. Let's see what you put out there. I think it's going to be a growing opportunity for him. I'm excited for him.”

Hackenberg, who has had a cup of coffee with the Raiders, Eagles and Bengals since the Jets parted ways with him last year, isn't exactly operating in ideal conditions with his career on the line. He's playing behind a highly suspect offensive line on a team that has been together for about six weeks.

Although Memphis quarterbacks coach David Lee recently proclaimed that he fixed mechanical flaws in Hackenberg's throwing motion, the young quarterback struggled with inaccurate passes in his first game. Memphis, the only team to get shut out during AAF's opening weekend, managed just 3.7 yards per play. Hackenberg was pulled in the fourth quarter.

“We're going to keep scrapping,” Hackenberg said. “I'm confident in our coaches. I'm confident in our players.”