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Penn State Football: Christian Hackenberg still progressing

By Collin Wieder

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Christian Hackenberg #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass in the second quarter agianst the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium on November 21, 2015 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Evan Habeeb/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Christian Hackenberg #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass in the second quarter agianst the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium on November 21, 2015 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Evan Habeeb/Getty Images) /
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A rough first year didn’t help Christian Hackenberg’s progression. However, the former Penn State football QB is trying to find his way in the preseason.

The New York Jets’ handling of their quarterback situation became the running joke of the 2016 NFL season. A dearth of talent under center and lack of playmakers made for a terrible season. A group of three quarterbacks threw for 3,466 yards, 16 touchdowns against an abysmal 25 interceptions while completing 56.5 percent of their passes. The biggest positive is that former Penn State football QB Christian Hackenberg’s name and numbers aren’t in that group.

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Hackenberg is still an enigma in terms of in-game regular season action. The 2016 second round pick sat and waited and many said that, because he wasn’t ready. His preseason performances proved that and his early offseason struggles did as well. However, the former Penn State football QB seems to be keeping his ears closed and his eyes looking at the future.

A lot of fans and writers across the country knew last season was a total disaster, but Hack didn’t flinch (Courtesy of New York Post). He’s remained within himself and improved incrementally. It’s certainly taken a long time for him to step up, but he developed bad habits in college.

The offensive line wasn’t quite established yet, and the team struggled on scholarship reduction while he was there. Now, he’s showing some growth. According to NJ.com, he’s got some awe-inspiring moments, but he’s struggled to show those everyday. He’s still improving his everyday play which can be difficult.

Nevertheless, his first preseason game showed he could protect the football for the first time in his NFL career. He limited his mistakes downfield with a safe 18-for-25, 127 yards and zero interceptions performance.

Must Read: Christian Hackenberg Goes off the Board to New York Jets

Hackenberg isn’t a complete package for sure, but he’s making the adjustments to try and be better this year.

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