Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive
The Jets open the season on Monday, Sept. 10 against the Lions. Here's where things stand with the race to be the starting quarterback...
IN THE LEAD: SAM DARNOLD
The coronation feels inevitable at this point, as the 21-year-old continues to do everything a starting quarterback usually does during the preseason. His teammates won't say it, but they sure think he's going to be their starting quarterback. Everyone seems to think he's ready. He looks like he's ready. All that's missing is Todd Bowles' announcement.
SECOND STRING: TEDDY BRIDGEWATER
Not getting any first-team reps in the third preseason game was a sign that Bridgewater probably never had a real chance to win this job. Still, he's been the most impressive Jets quarterback for most of the summer and seems most likely to be the Plan B option if Darnold struggles (or somehow doesn't get the job). A trade remains an option for him too, but his value won't be trade-worthy unless a starting QB elsewhere gets hurt.
THIRD STRING: JOSH McCOWN
More and more every day, McCown looks and sounds like he's resigned to his fate of being mostly a player-coach this season. The 39-year-old has barely played this summer and his first-team practice reps have diminished over time. So no, he's never really had a chance, but he knew the deal when he re-signed. Plus he's getting paid $10 million no matter what, which isn't a bad consolation prize.
