Jets Stick With Ryan Fitzpatrick at Quarterback, if Not Enthusiastically

The problem with this team starts on the defensive side of the ball, particularly third down. We are "playing from behind" in the first quarter.

Secondary needs to be about who is playing best, not who has the biggest contract, and we need to generate consistent pressure up front.

The linebackers are the strength and only get "revealed" as "weak in pass coverage" when hung out to dry.

The offense needs to return to its early season efficiency. A couple of plays in each of the last two games turns them into wins.

But this defense can't stop teams in critical moments, and it's starting to show.

Fitzpatrick is better than the alternative, and that's all that matters right now. While Geno definitely has better arm strength, his decision-making ability on the football field is severely lacking. Fitz won't help you win a game, but he won't exactly lose one, either. Quarterback is not their problem right now -- their receivers need to hold on to the ball, and the O-line needs to open up holes for Ivory.

It's simple-- they're old. This is a young man's game. They're starting old players. Put some young ones in there. If they keep on dropping the ball, get some guys who can catch it. Next time you're trailing by 2 TD's, call Petty's number. 40 years of this is quite enough.

The Jets' last two games have come against defenses (Buffalo and Houston) that have played extremely well in recent weeks. Buffalo generally contained Brady in Foxboro last night, and Houston absolutely smothered Cincinnati's prolific passing offense in a 10-6 win last week.

Fitzpatrick hasn't been perfect recently, but I expect a better performance against Miami's mediocre defense this weekend.

The more troubling issue seems to be in the secondary. Revis is still an above-average No. 1 cornerback, but he's no longer a shutdown weapon. Cromartie has been downright awful.

geno smurf is not an option.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is good enough to win.
unfortunately, the rest of the team doesn't seem to be.
it's maddening how every year turns out this way , no matter what road we take at the start.
even Revis is playing down to the teams lack of ability

Coach Bowles might not have to make a choice. Fitzpatrick is going to get his head ripped off he doesn't learn to slide.

Ben's article explains the Jets conundrum very well.

Whatever Fitzpatrick has, or hasn't done -- in a slightly altered reality that could have included key receptions (instead of drops), some key defensive stops and Devin Smith taking a knee in the end zone instead of trying to return a kickoff, the Jets could easily be 7-3, or even 8-2. And then, this article would not have been written, because Fitzpatrick's job status would not have been in question.

So yes, the QB could have, maybe should have, overcome some of those mistakes... but the problems are far more than him.

Well when your only other choice is Geno Smith, you really don't have a choice.

To win in the NFL, you need a dominant pass rush or a dominant quarterback. The Jets have neither. As gutsy as Fitzpatrick is, he does not have the ability to compensate for the overall weaknesses of the Jet offense (numerous dropped passes, poor offensive line play at inopportune times, no tight end to speak of) As for the defense, the secondary is only as good as the pressure applied by the defensive line, of which there has been none. You give an NFL QB enough time, he will find an open receiver, no matter how talented your secondary is. Let's face it, fellow Jet fans. The Jets are as mediocre as you can get and will probably finish the season a fittingly appropriate 8-8.

Brady didn't look so good last night either, being always hit or on the run from Buffalo's defense. I'm pretty sure he's starting next week. Fitzpatrick is no Tom Brady - I'm sure he'd agree with that, but he is a good quarterback who has performed fairly well - all for subpar teams. He has tremendous passion, makes good throws mixed in with the bad, and is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league. More important, he is just better than Smith is. He is probably not the QB of the future, but, if the Jets make their line better by trades or drafting, they might see a much better Fitzpatrick. They should try that first before replacing him

There really isn't much choice at this point but to start Fitzgerald. Gino Smith, is not an option as we saw the past two years. This is a well balanced article, and as the writer states the real problem, is that the Jets are no longer able to move the ball on the ground, which in turn opens up the passing game. Chris Ivory, the best runner in the league the first 5 weeks, has stalled. The Jets problems right now are across every dept. They are in free fall and need to correct asap or the season will be over for them in a week or two. Good luck.

What choices they have? Geno! Please
Meanwhile, Belichick and Brady just slapped Rex around, again.

Fitzpatrick is not the problem, although I do question some of his throws into double and triple coverage. The problem with the Jets right now is the offensive line stopped opening holes for Ivory, the defensive line isn't pressuring opposing quarterbacks, and the secondary is playing too soft, led by Mr. Softie himself, Cromartie. Fitzpatrick isn't a top tier quarterback, but he is gutsy. The Jets don't play with any sense of urgency or energy. They seem asleep for 2 or 3 quarters every game, and their play calling is getting predictable again. Another disappointing season for a 40 year Jet fan now living in the land of Brady. Ugh!

The "ifs," if the defense bottled up the opposition, if the running game ate up yardage and the clock, if the defenders locked down the other guys, a smart QB can "dink" and "dunk" and teams can win low scoring games.

No Jets defender "scares" anyone ... no pass rush, slow linebackers, unexpectedly ineffective secondary, an "old" offensive line, a QB under constant pressure ... is it the ability of the team, poor execution, poor game planning. a lack of motivation, or, is the coach unable to properly prepare the team ...some of the above, or, all of the above?

It's troubling that Fitzpatrick is considered the best option. Fitzpatrick has the head and the heart, but he's lacking the arm, and that's something he can't overcome. I'd vote for putting Petty in, even knowing he's a rookie. We know what Smith can - and can't - do, so maybe the Jets should at least find out if they need to look for a new QB in the draft or off season. Fitzpatrick has the head and the heart, but he's lacking the arm, and that's something he can't overcome.