New York Jets: Three takeaways from the loss to the Patriots

Josh McCown was Worth the Signing

I’ll admit to hating this move when it was made. Josh McCown is a guy that has floated from team to team and never accomplished very much. His presence in the locker room got a lot of praise but he never sustained on-field success. He had the stretch in Chicago but that was it. McCown spent most of his career as a turnover machine. Why not let the kids play, right?

However, week in and week out, McCown has proven that he is not the problem with this team. He has been efficient, entering Sunday’s game with the second highest completion percentage in the league. Has he been Brady? Of course not. But he has been an effective leader for this team, doing enough to keep his team around, and until this past week, winning three straight games.

Next: Wing earners against the Patriots

McCown was given the opportunity to air it out against New England and he responded. He completed 65.9% of his passes and racked up 354 passing yards. He also showed he could make plays with his feet for an old guy. McCown keeps his head up, allowing him to escape pressure and make throws. He can also run when he has to, running the ball three times for 21 yards against the Patriots. He has been an able-bodied leader for the young Jets.