The 2016 New York Jets, after a surprise 10-6 season last year, have stumbled back to mediocrity. After riding a career year from Ryan Fitzpatrick to one game away from the playoffs in 2015 (where Fitzpatrick blew the Jets chances by throwing a few late interceptions against the Bills in the final game of the season), the Jets have struggled to the tune of a 1-3 record this season. And with the Steelers, Patriots (twice), Cardinals and more left, their schedule doesn't get any easier. After throwing for a franchise record 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns (along with a respectable 15 interceptions), Fitzpatrick has struggled mightily this season, with only four touchdowns and ten picks (in the first four games). With Fitzpatrick on pace to throw 40 interceptions this season, and the strength of their upcoming schedule, is it time the Jets make a change at QB?
While most remember Geno Smith as the guy who threw 21 interceptions in 2013 and got his jaw broken on a punch from reserve linebacker Ik Emankapali, he might actually represent the Jets best chance to win as of right now. After ending the 2014 season with a perfect passer rating (of 158.3) in the final game against the Miami Dolphins, Geno looked on track to start the 2015-16 season for the Jets. Then, he got sucker punched in the face by Emankapali, and the rest is history. However, in his one appearance last season, Smith threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns with only one interception, and looked to have chemistry with the team's receivers after Fitzpatrick was injured during the game against the Raiders. While the team's top receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, have advocated for Fitz in the past, it's undeniable they have confidence in Smith if he were to start. "You know, Geno has looked the part in camp this year. He looks like a franchise quarterback," Marshall stated in July during the stalemate between Fitzpatrick and Jets over a contract dispute. With his (relatively) recent success and support from his teammates, it's worth looking into if Smith should take over the reigns as starting QB.
While Fitz has proven he can succeed in the past as recently as last season, it's time the Jets make a change at the most important position on the field. With an older, win-now roster featuring Marshall, Matt Forte, Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis, the Jets only goal this season should be to win and somehow make the playoffs. As of right now, its Geno Smith, not the mistake-prone Fitzpatrick, that gives them their best chance to do just that. With a clear chemistry between him and the team's top offensive playmakers, head coach Todd Bowles should insert Geno into the starting lineup with confidence, in the attempt to salvage what could soon be a lost season for the Jets.
