The New York Jets will be rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback going forward. Head coach Todd Bowles was on a conference call Tuesday and told the media that Fitzpatrick had earned the job, something that extends past when Geno Smith returns from his broken jaw in a few weeks.
Smith was going to be the starting quarterback going into training camp, but then got punched in the face by linebacker IK Enemkpali and broke his jaw, putting him on the shelf for two months. Fitzpatrick was acquired via trade this offseason from the Houston Texans this offseason, joining his third team in as many years.
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Frankly, Fitzpatrick has not lit the world on fire, which makes Bowles’ decision so curious. Fitzpatrick has thrown an interception in each of the first two games and missed multiple open receivers. Yet, New York is 2-0 because the defense has been terrific, forcing a league-high 10 turnovers over the first two weeks in wins over the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.
Smith was picked in the second round by the Jets in the 2013 NFL Draft and has shown nothing to suggest he is starting material. Smith was also picked by former general manager John Idzik, giving current GM Mike Maccagnan no reason to be loyal to him. Smith now slots into the backup role, something he spent time as behind Michael Vick last year after being benched.