NFL.com’s Biggest Question for the Jets

Elliott Harrison of NFL.com is asking one pressing question about each team during the offseason. For the Jets he strikes a familiar chord.

New York Jets: Will the young QBs sink or swim?

Nobody expects the Jets to compete this season. Even their fans, who can be notoriously cynical, would probably be surprised (and maybe even satisfied) with six wins. But even if New York goes 4-12 or worse, the season won't be lost if the Jets come out of it with a promising quarterback. In a perfect world for GM Mike Maccagnan, Christian Hackenberg would emerge. After all, not only did Hackenberg arrive under Maccagnan's watch, but the QB was a second-round pick. This offseason is the time for Bryce Petty or Hackenberg to either sink or swim. If a clear No. 1 steps forward based on this summer and the preseason, then that means the "winner" will own more reps to show what he can do ... and develop. Or not. Choose, play, evaluate. Then the season won't be a lost cause, even if losses pile up.

I think there are in many instances a disconnect between discussing the quarterback position and its role on the team.

The quarterback is a driving force behind whether a team is good or bad. People are not expecting the Jets to compete this year because expectations around the quarterbacks are so low. It is difficult for me to conceive of a way the team has promising quarterback play and finishes 4-12. If a young quarterback emerges as an effective option, it will help the team win more games.