Josh McCown
The New York Jets have named Josh McCown the opening day starter (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

The New York Jets will start Josh McCown to start off the 2017 season. After battling with Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg this preseason, head coach Todd Bowles is going to roll with the savvy veteran. McCown, 38, signed a one-year deal this offseason to serve as a stop gap option untill the Jets find their franchise savior.

Rich Cimini of ESPN was the first to report the news:

Both young quarterbacks Hackenberg and Petty were likely ruled out for different reasons. Hackenberg is coming off an ugly third preseason game where he threw two bad interceptions. Petty, on the other hand, had a good showing throwing 3 touchdowns this past week. The problem is he suffered a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for a few weeks.

Oddly enough, McCown hasn’t played much this preseason either. McCown has only played the opening series in the Jets first preseason game action. Based on McCown’s experience, it’s fair to say we shouldn’t be shocked with the Jets choice. McCown becomes the fourth different starting quarterback to open the season for the Jets the past six years. Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, and Ryan Fitzpatrick were the others.