The Jets are turning back to rookie quarterback Brady Cook for Week 16, as the team heads to New Orleans to face the Saints. Head coach confirmed the decision, giving Cook his second straight start after stepping in for an injured Tyrod Taylor two weeks ago and getting the nod in Week 15 against Jacksonville.
Cook, an undrafted rookie out of Missouri, has had a tough go of it in his limited action. Through 63 pass attempts, he’s thrown five interceptions to just one touchdown, totaling 339 passing yards. His passer rating sits at 44.1, with a QBR of 19.1-numbers that paint a clear picture of a young quarterback still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
But with the Jets no longer in playoff contention, this stretch run is about evaluation as much as competition. And right now, the coaching staff seems intent on getting a longer look at Cook.
His first start featured a tightly controlled game plan-lots of screens, quick throws, and simplified reads. It was the kind of approach you often see with a rookie making his debut: limit the risk, keep the chains moving, and try to build confidence.
The question now is whether the Jets are ready to take the training wheels off. Against a Saints defense that’s known for mixing looks and bringing pressure, Cook will need to show he can process quickly and make throws beyond the line of scrimmage. If the Jets do open up the playbook, it’ll be a strong signal that they’re serious about evaluating what they have in the young signal-caller-not just protecting him from mistakes.
Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields are reportedly nearing full health, which means the Jets have veteran options available. But the fact that Cook is still getting the start suggests that, at least for now, the job is his to lose. Whether he can take a step forward in New Orleans will go a long way in determining how the Jets approach the quarterback position heading into the offseason.
For Cook, it’s another chance to prove he belongs. For the Jets, it’s about gathering data-and maybe, just maybe, finding a silver lining in a season that hasn’t gone according to plan.