The New York Jets have three options at starting quarterback, and head coach Todd Bowles says settling on the Week 1 starter will be a tough choice, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
“It’s already been cloudy. It’s never changed. It’s the same…. It’ll be a tough choice. We still got two more games to play…. I like all three guys.”
The Jets brought back veteran quarterback Josh McCown on a one-year deal to be the starter, but they also signed Teddy Bridgewater and drafted USC phenom Sam Darnold with the third overall pick.
The 39-year-old McCown did an admirable job for the Jets last season, completing 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,926 yards and 18 touchdowns to nine interceptions in 13 games. However, McCown is near the end of his career, and Bridgewater or Darnold would bring more upside.
Darnold got the start in the Jets' 15-13 loss to the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, completing eight of his 11 pass attempts for 62 yards and one interception. Bridgewater relieved the rookie and had a solid outing, going 10-for-15 for 127 yards, one touchdown and one pick.
Darnold is obviously the quarterback of the future, but Bowles might still choose to go with a starter with more experience so the rookie can be brought along slowly. If Darnold isn't the choice to start Week 1, though, don't be surprised if he's the starter at some point down the line in the regular season.
The Jets begin their season against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 10.