Jets’ Christian Hackenberg throws TD in his first NFL drive (Video)

The New York Jets have some talent at the quarterback position, and their fourth-stringer made his presence felt on Saturday.

Christian Hackenberg is the New York Jets fourth-string quarterback. Coming into Saturday’s Snoopy Bowl, the annual preseason game between the New York Jets and Giants, he had not played one snap in the preseason. That all changed in fourth quarter on Saturday, as he took over for Bryce Petty with the Jets down 14-10.

The Jets had just given up a touchdown via the turnover, as Petty saw his dump pass taken back 73 yards for a touchdown by Giants’ defensive end Kerry Wynn. In stepped Hackenberg, who the Jets selected with their second-round pick during the 2016 NFL Draft. He wasted no time showing Jets fans who could be their quarterback of the future.

Hackenberg orchestrated a 75-yard drive, capping it off with a beautiful touchdown pass to Robby Anderson. The throw gave the Jets the lead, and for Hackenberg, a fantastic start to his NFL career. He looked sharp throughout the entire drive, moving the Jets up the field with ease before the TD pass.

As of now, Hackenberg is not likely to make the team’s roster when the season kicks off on September 11. He is behind two quarterbacks who are fighting hard for the backup spot behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, and he has not gotten the kind of reps needed to be considered even a No. 3 quarterback. Still, he has a ton of talent, and should be in the discussion when the organization takes about the future of the position.

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Fitzpatrick is on a one-year deal, and current backup Geno Smith has not shown the ability to be a consistent player in the NFL. Petty is playing surprisingly good football for a second-year player who did not get any real time in 2015. Hackenberg could be the team’s future, and if Saturday was any indication, he could be a special player.