New York Jets: LaDainian Tomlinson Critical Of Ryan Fitzpatrick

Former New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson has seen enough of Ryan Fitzpatrick and thinks it is time for a quarterback change.

The New York Jets have fallen on tough times in recent weeks. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has regressed after a career season in 2015. There have been many different opinions given on his standing as the team’s starting quarterback. At the end of the day, only head coach Todd Bowles‘ decision matters.

But, that doesn’t mean people won’t still give their input. The latest person to give their two cents about the Jets’ quarterback position is former running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson spent the last two years of his Hall of Fame career with the Jets and now works for NFL Network.

As part of his work with the NFL Network, Tomlinson spent time at training camp with the Jets. At the time, he was high on the Jets chances to topple the New England Patriots as the division winner. One of the reasons was the chemistry he felt that Chan Gailey and Fitzpatrick had together. This is what he said to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York in August.

"“If there’s ever a year to knock off the Patriots, it has to be this year for the Jets or for somebody else to win this division. It has to be the Jets. When you think about it, they have enough experience on both sides of the ball. If Ryan can play at the level he played last year — and maybe just a little bit more — they should do it. They should do it. He’s had his best years under Chan Gailey. That’s why I’m so optimistic.”"

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Fast forward to now and Tomlinson has done a total 180 on his opinion about Fitzpatrick. Tomlinson believes that now is the time for the Jets to go to Geno Smith and bench Fitzpatrick.

Tomlinson was speaking on NFL Network and acknowledged the support that Brandon Marshall threw behind his quarterback. But, that doesn’t change his opinion that Fitzpatrick should be benched for Smith after throwing nine interceptions in the last two weeks.

"“I get it, though, B,” Tomlinson said. “I get it. You’re a loyal guy. And that’s your quarterback. But you know what? Honestly, it’s time. Instead of J-E-T-S, you guys have got to start going G-E-N-O. That’s right: It’s time for Geno.“You can’t throw nine picks in two weeks and think you can keep your starting job. Meanwhile, Geno Smith beat you out (last year), and he’s still on the bench. Come on, man. Roll it. It’s time to get Geno in there, because Ryan Fitz-tragic is taking over, and it’s not good.”"

Smith was the incumbent and was named the presumptive starter. But, he got into a locker room altercation with I.K. Enemkpali, resulting in a broken jaw. Fitzpatrick was given the starting job and ran away with it after that.

Now here we are today. Fitzpatrick was the focus of attention throughout the summer as he held out for more money. The Jets were hesitant, as their worst nightmare has come to life in the last two weeks.

Next: Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Jets: Week 4 Takeaways

Fitzpatrick has confidence in himself, and Bowles believes he gives them the best chance to win. But if he throws multiple interceptions again in the coming weeks it is hard to imagine him staying the starter beyond that point.

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