FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Todd Bowles hasn't revealed his exact quarterback plan for Saturday night against the Detroit Lions, but he indicated Tuesday that Josh McCown will play more than last week -- meaning more than one series.
Makes sense. The New York Jets need to increase McCown's playing time as they get closer to the regular season.
"I like his leadership, I like how he takes control of the offense," offensive coordinator John Morton said of the Jets' presumptive Week 1 starter, who had a brief but effective outing in the opener. "He's seen a lot of football. I like that. I like his experience. That's the biggest thing."
Morton is a disciple of Jon Gruden, whose preference for seasoned quarterbacks was well known. Food for thought.
A recap of the quarterback competition on Tuesday:
JOSH McCOWN
This was a solid day for McCown (10-for-15), who was pleased by the overall performance of the offense. Afterward, he said, "We need to keep stacking days like this."
Wow moment: There was nothing spectacular, just a bunch of high-percentage throws that were executed.
Whoa moment: He almost was intercepted on his first pass, as linebacker Demario Davis dropped into coverage and deflected a pass. McCown has gone six straight practices without an interception. Did we just jinx him?
CHRISTIAN HACKENBERG
This was the fourth straight practice that Hackenberg had more total reps than McCown -- 23 to 20. He completed eight of 15 attempts, managing to avoid a sack -- a rarity. The pass protection was much better than Monday.
Wow moment: Hackenberg made two throws that stood out. He unleashed a 50-yard bomb to rookie wide receiver Dan Williams, who outmuscled Marcus Williams for the ball. Later, Hackenberg fired a laser to Robby Anderson on the far sideline. The pass had plenty of giddy-up on it, and Anderson made a two-handed, leaping catch.
Whoa moment: There were no hiccups; it was a clean day.
BRYCE PETTY
The Forgotten Quarterback received only six reps. Afterward, Petty (3-for-5) put on a brave face, saying, "You don't count the reps, you make the reps count."
Wow moment: Petty hooked up with rookie wide receiver Chad Hansen for a long touchdown. Their timing was outstanding on a deep in-cut, as Hansen caught it in stride and bolted for the end zone. Petty has made a handful of terrific throws in camp, but "we need a little more consistency from him," Morton said.
Whoa moment: There were no glaring mistakes.
