Anonymous NFL coach: Jets are better without Geno Smith
By Jason Rowan
Ryan Fitzpatrick has led the New York Jets to an arguably surprising 2-0 record, and while his play may not be as flashy — but certainly more consistent than what the team gets from Geno Smith — it has led one anonymous NFL coach to suggest that the team is far better off without the presumed starting quarterback returning to that role.
The New York Post‘s Brian Costello reports he received a text from said coach during Monday night’s 20-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts that read, “The Jets are good, man. They are better without Geno.”
Smith of course is expected to be out anywhere from six to 10 weeks after suffering a broken jaw during a locker room altercation with now ex-teammate IK Enemkpali. While he has shown flashes of potential during his time with the Jets, he has also been known to be wildly erratic, both on the field with his play and off the field with his behavior.
Fitzpatrick has been steady if not spectacular in his two games leading the team, completing 68.3 percent of his passes while throwing four touchdowns and two interceptions, good for a decent 94.3 rating.
Given the Jets defense are generating turnovers at a near-historic pace, all Fitzpatrick — or any quarterback for that matter, even Smith — has to do is play the dreaded but sometimes rewarding role of “game manager,” meaning he isn’t expected to win the game, just do enough not to lose it.
It is worth noting, though, that Fitzpatrick’s numbers this season are somewhat inflated when compared to his career statistics. How much that has to do with him personally, the system or other external forces is unknown, but it does mean it’s possible his play could regress to the mean at any time.
But until then, it appears the Jets starting quarterback position may be Fitzpatrick’s to lose. It’s also worth noting that Smith reportedly has tried to be a positive force since his injury and apparently was one of the more vocal and happy players following Monday’s win. That can only help him down the road, that’s for sure.
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