The New York Jets rolled the dice again on Sunday, starting undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook for the second straight week. And for the second straight week, the results were rough - this time in a 29-6 loss to a red-hot New Orleans Saints squad.
Cook, in just his third NFL appearance, looked every bit like a rookie still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game. He finished 22-of-35 for 188 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
But the stat that jumps off the page? Eight sacks.
And while it’s easy to pin that kind of number on the offensive line, the deeper analysis tells a different story - one that puts the spotlight squarely on the quarterback.
Six of those eight sacks? On Cook.
According to Pro Football Focus data, the Jets’ offensive line was credited with allowing just two sacks and seven pressures. That means Cook was sacked on eight of 11 total pressures - a staggering 72.7% pressure-to-sack rate.
For context, that’s not just high - it’s historically inefficient. His season-long rate sits at 53.1%, the worst among all 69 quarterbacks who’ve taken a snap this year.
That kind of number tells you a lot. It’s not just about protection breaking down - it’s about a quarterback who’s not feeling the rush, not moving in the pocket, and not getting the ball out quickly enough.
Pocket presence isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a skill that separates backups from starters, and rookies from vets. And right now, Cook is clearly still trying to find his footing in that department.
To be fair, Cook is in a tough spot. He’s a young player thrown into a challenging situation late in the season, with a team that’s been battered by injuries and inconsistency. But the NFL is a results-driven league, and with two games left - against division rivals New England and Buffalo - the Jets may not have the luxury of continued patience.
Veteran Tyrod Taylor was active on Sunday and available as Cook’s backup. If he’s healthy enough to suit up, it’s fair to wonder if he’s healthy enough to start. Taylor brings experience, mobility, and a better sense of how to manage pressure - all things the Jets could use right now as they try to finish the season with some sense of momentum.
There’s no question Cook has tools worth developing. But Sunday’s loss showed that he’s not ready to handle the speed and complexity of NFL defenses just yet - especially ones as aggressive and opportunistic as New Orleans. The Saints didn’t just beat the Jets; they exposed a young quarterback who’s still learning how to survive under fire.
For head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets coaching staff, the decision heading into Week 17 is clear: stick with the rookie and hope for growth, or turn to the veteran and try to stabilize a reeling offense. Either way, the Jets need more from the quarterback position if they want to end the season on a competitive note.