New York Jets: Where does Geno Smith go from here?

By Paul A. Esden Jr. | Aug 13, 2015

When it comes to the New York Jets and Geno Smith, in just a span of a few days his tenure on the team was put in question. Smith went from being the Week 1 starter for the Jets a few days ago to possibly being handed a clipboard for the entire season. As coach Todd Bowles put it in a press conference earlier this week, Smith isn’t guaranteed the starting gig upon his return from injury. Early reports suggest 6-10 weeks, but it could be longer than that based on further medical analysis.

If everything goes well he should be healthy and ready to go by Week 4 or maybe Week 5. So let’s have a slice of realism here from a Jets fan. Smith is the better prospect: he’s younger, more talented and he’s got potential.

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While Ryan Fitzpatrick is old, turnover prone (not that Smith isn’t either), and to say the least isn’t the greatest mobile quarterback. But what Fitzpatrick does have on his side is experience, a familiarity with the offense and a talented roster around him.

Though there is part of Jets Nation that thinks this Smith injury was actually a good thing for the Jets. I saw a wide array of feedback from the Twitter universe over the last few days since the Smith news broke, here’s a taste of some of the things that came across my feed.

The Jets Super Bowl odds IMPROVED after Geno Smith’s injury http://t.co/LNDy1uN7gI pic.twitter.com/fVOVVC7gvk

— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) August 13, 2015

Jets’ Geno Smith reportedly got punched because he ‘deserved it’: New York Jets Coach Todd Bowles put the foll… http://t.co/z0GchECbqk

— Teddy Backers (@TBackers) August 13, 2015

That is just a slice and I know there was so much more. I do have a few things to say about the sort of garbage that continued to come across my feed. No one deserves to get punched in the face like that regardless of what Smith said or didn’t say. Analysts and other fans can say or think whatever they want about how Smith’s injury affects the rest of the team and their chances this season since everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

I must say that I believe that Fitzpatrick has a ceiling, there’s a point where he can’t play any better. For Smith I think he had and still has a much higher ceiling, our offense has all the potential in the world. Some fans are throwing their hands up saying the season is lost, keep in mind we lost Smith not Aaron Rodgers.

I’m the biggest Smith supporter you’ll find, but I’m realistic. He’s been turnover-prone, inconsistent and no small glimpse of greatness will change that. We’ve talked about it since he came into the league as he had some solid games but then followed up by a few stinkers. This is not a recipe for success in the NFL.

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) walks off the field after defeating the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I hope this wasn’t the last we saw of Smith, I hope he gets a chance this season. But I also realize the only way he gets a chance is if Fitzpatrick is really not doing so hot when Smith is healthy. It’s a double-edged sword, I also said prior to the season regardless of anything the Jets will find out this season if Smith is the guy or not.

So that way, next season they can feel comfortable with Smith as the quarterback or feel comfortable going in a different direction heading into the off season. Smith could do everything right over the next month and a half and it could be all for not. But Smith can only control what he can control. He’s just got to keep his head down and get to work, go through rehab and get healthy. Take all the mental reps he can and just be ready when that opportunity comes to the door.

Next: New York Jets: 3 players that must shine vs Detroit Lions

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