A method evaluates printhead position in a staggered full width array (SFWA) printhead assembly. The method includes selecting a first printhead configuration for printing a first test pattern on an image receiving member, generating positional correction data for roll and stitch displacements obtained from captured image data of the first test pattern, comparing the positional correction data to at least one threshold in a displacement range, and operating at least one printhead actuator in accordance with the positional correction data in response to the positional correction data exceeding at least one predetermined threshold in the displacement range.