Jets vs. Dolphins: 6 Players To Watch For Week 4

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown exactly the type of quarterback that he is through three weeks. If you have a run game aiding him, he can limit mistakes and even make some plays to get you wins. But if you are relying on him to win games, things could get ugly. That is precisely why the Jets have a 2-1 record right now.

In the first two games of the season, Fitzpatrick was able to ride a running game led by Chris Ivory. He completed 37-of-58 (63.7 percent) for 423 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. But without Ivory in the lineup against the Eagles in Week 3, the Jets were forced to rely on Fitzpatrick’s arm and the results were not pretty.

Fitzpatrick attempted as many passes in Week 3 as he did in the first two weeks combined, but completed two less passes against the Eagles finishing the afternoon 25-of-58. Despite that high pass attempt total, Fitzpatrick had only 283 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. While all of the turnovers were not his fault, he showed an inability to pick up the team when needed, missing too many throws and making some poor decisions with where to throw the ball.

It has resulted in some people talking that Geno Smith should get another shot at the starting quarterback spot. Fitzpatrick can quell that chatter if he can perform as he did in the first two games against the Dolphins. For that to happen, the Jets need to get the run game going again.

But, with Ivory looking like he may be hampered again, that could be a challenge. That brings us to the next person to watch.

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