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New York Jets: Todd Bowles Looks Toward Future at Quarterback

By Maurice Moton

Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won, 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won, 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles surrendered his strong position on keeping Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter and looks toward the future.

New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles looks on during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles looks on during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

This week brings a time for reckoning at New York Jets headquarters. Head coach Todd Bowles stood in front of attentive local reporters to confirm news about a quarterback change.

After six weeks and 11 interceptions, Bowles saw enough from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fans became fed up after his six-interception performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. However, the Jets head coach explained the incumbent starter earned a long leash due to his exceptional play during the previous season.

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Bowles explained that he gave Fitzpatrick time to “shake off” a bad start to the season. Unfortunately, the 33-year-old quarterback couldn’t brush the dirt off his shoulders and improve his game. He’s only thrown multiple touchdown passes in one game through the year. The Jets needs an offensive spark, and the coaching staff expects Geno Smith to jumpstart the offense.

As expected, Fitzpatrick didn’t take kindly to the decision, but he understands and respects the coach’s verdict, per SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano:

Bowles said Fitzpatrick and Smith have equivalent playing talent, but they excel at different facets as signal-callers. Interestingly, he also mentioned the much-maligned quarterback’s respect level in the locker room. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a strong Fitzpatrick supporter, confirmed it, per Vacchiano:

During the press conference, Bowles also said it’s possible the team would turn back to Fitzpatrick, pending the circumstances. However, it’s highly unlikely with three other quarterbacks on the depth chart.

Other than Fitzpatrick’s career in New York ending before our eyes, what exactly does this quarterback switch mean for the Jets’ future?

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