Skip to main content
Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Jets: Todd Bowles Looks Toward Future at Quarterback

ByMaurice 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
1of 4

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 atNew York Jetsheadquarters. Head coach Todd Bowles stood in front of attentivelocal reportersto 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.

More fromEmpire Writes Back

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:

Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: "I don't like it. I'm disappointed we're making the change. I'm disappointed in my play this year as well."

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)October 19, 2016

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:

Brandon Marshall says he likes the way Geno Smith has grown in the last year and how he's "punched adversity in the face."

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)October 19, 2016

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?

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle
Follow

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations