New York Jets: 5 reasons why Ryan Fitzpatrick will succeed

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

With a new season starting for the New York Jets, their quarterback situation has once again been the hottest topic in the city that never sleeps all off season long. First Geno Smith looked like the clear-cut option to start for the Jets until the infamous “jaw incident” that saw him not only lose his big opportunity to start but also miss a significant amount of time due to injury.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has emerged as the new starting quarterback and has so far had a solid preseason and training camp in hopes that he can get the job done consistently for the Jets. I was actually one of the very few that wanted Fitzpatrick to start from the moment he arrived since Smith in my opinion, just isn’t good enough to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

With everything considered, Fitzpatrick should definitely succeed in 2015. Here are 5 reasons why!

Next: 5. Familiarity with new offense

August 11, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

5. Familiarity with new offense

The Jets made sure to revamp their team by bringing in better talent and more importantly, better coaches and coordinators. The Jets brought in a new offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey that has a knack at creating effective yet simplified offenses catered to the strength of his players.

Both Fitzpatrick and Gailey have familiarity together from their time spent with the Buffalo Bills which should bode well in developing a solid rhythm. Fitzpatrick has looked solid executing on plays and hitting passes quick enough to really push the envelope in 2015. He’s sharp and making smart decisions on every play.

This new spread offense the Jets plan to deploy this season should emphasize a fast-paced attack through the air combined with an established ground game. Fitzpatrick has so far been able to hit everything in stride and has impressed.

Next: 4. No turnovers

Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) avoids a sack attempt by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux (95) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

4. No turnovers

All preseason long, Fitzpatrick made sure not to commit any costly turnovers. He didn’t throw a single interception or cause a fumble and knew how to handle pressure effectively. That will be a key area to focus on since the Jets can’t afford to cough up the football during close games since the outcome usually results in a loss.

Despite dealing with a broken leg injury he sustained last season with the Houston Texans, he was actually having a pretty good season with them. He’s not 100% healthy but still able to get the job done and hasn’t lost his arm strength or accuracy.

Thanks to being a savvy veteran, this is an area Fitzpatrick will excel at since he’s an incredibly smart quarterback that will in most cases protect the football than risk anything that could come back to haunt the Jets.

Next: 3. Established rushing attack

Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) rushes for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3. Established rushing attack

Many analysts and fans might be worried about Fitzpatrick as the Jets’ starting quarterback but let it be known, the Jets will absolutely launch a potent rushing attack in 2015. Considering they were the No. 3 best rushing team last season in the NFL, they will pick up exactly where they left off.

With Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Zac Stacy leading the charge, it will help take the pressure off from Fitzpatrick to have to put the team on his shoulders. The Jets will establish the run early and it will help open up the more intricate play-action plays that Gailey has designed to really keep those chains moving.

Fitzpatrick will know how to lead this offense to plenty of scoring touchdowns thanks to a solid ground game that should open up everything offensively.

Next: 2. Brandon Marshall

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87), New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) and New York Jets offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson (60) celebrate Decker’s touchdown catch during the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

2. Brandon Marshall

The Jets made headlines for all the right reasons when they were able to make a trade to acquire wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears for a fifth-round draft pick. He’s a legitimate No. 1 threat when it comes to the skill-set he brings and will be the best receiver the Jets have had in years.

Marshall will no doubt elevate the game of not only the wide receivers around him but most definitely for Fitzpatrick. Marshall, if healthy, could have a breakout season with the Jets thanks to his incredible route-running, speed and ability to make big plays in the clutch.

Every quarterback needs their go-to option on offense to throw to and Marshall is quite the target to have for Fitzpatrick to utilize early and often this season.

Next: 1. Chip on his shoulder

Aug 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions in a preseason NFL football game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chip on his shoulder

Let’s face it, when you’re entering a decade of playing in the NFL and you’re going to be 32 years old this November, there is a certain chip on your shoulder to exceed expectations. Everyone writes you off that you’re an old veteran that is one big hit away from going back on the injury report.

Not in the case of Fitzpatrick who brings his calm, cool and collective self to quietly build a winning campaign with the Jets. He’s never really had any major success on the various teams he has been on but something suggests that he found the perfect time to come in for a team hungry for a winning season and more important, a change in culture.

Don’t be surprised if Fitzpatrick brings all that together and plays some brilliant football as he does his part to bring the Jets back into the division hunt in the AFC East this season.

Next: New York Jets: Todd Bowles discusses new spread offense

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