After four weeks, Josh McCown is ranked among the top quarterbacks in the NFL, something few would have envisioned for a New York Jets team that is shocking the NFL at 2-2.
That was certainly a lot to digest anyone who follows the NFL. The idea that the Jets, who weren’t favored in any game coming into the season, are at .500 after the first month is over is downright shocking. That they are getting excellent production from their journeyman quarterback – who is a major reason why this team has exceeded expectations – defies logic and conventional wisdom.
The Jets have won two-straight games, going into overtime on Sunday to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. And while all the talk will be centered on Monday about running back Bilal Powell and his 163 rushing yards, McCown has been the perfect elixir for this team.
And he might be ruining all those ‘tank the season’ conspiracy theories for the Jets.
McCown was 22-of-31 passing for 224 yards in Week 4, all part of a season where he has completed 70 percent of his passes. He hasn’t been perfect, but he’s managed games, limited turnovers (though he did have an interception on Sunday) and has been an overall good fit for this rebuilding team.
According to John Gatta of Pro Football Focus, McCown received a 66.2 grade from the analytics site. His adjusted completed percentage was third best this past Sunday in the NFL at 82.8 percent.
Gatta notes that “On the season, McCown has an 82.1 adjusted completion percentage, which trails only Alex Smith (84.8 percent) among 32 qualified quarterbacks.”
If those types of numbers and performances continue, then Jets fans hopes of a top-three pick in next year’s NFL draft will vanish. McCown has certainly played the part of being a solid quarterback for the Jets to start this season.
Some other notes from Pro Football Focus on the Jets win:
– Powell’s big day was in large part due to some strong blocking. Tight end Eric Tomlinson had a solid day, earning and 80.3 grade in his run blocking.
– Offensive lineman James Carpenter has been dependable all year for the Jets. He allowed just one pressure on 36 passing snaps in the win over the Jaguars.
– Leonard Williams had a bounce-back week after some struggles last week. The Jets edge rusher chipped in with two run stops, two quarterback hits and one quarterback hurry according to PFF.
