New York Jets’ WR David Nelson Talks About His Quarterback, Geno Smith

Oct 20, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Logan Ryan (26) tackles New York Jets wide receiver David Nelson (86) at MetLife Stadium Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

David Nelson was acquired by Jets’ GM John Idzik to fill a need. That need was for a weapon on the offensive side. Once Santonio Holmes was hurt again, the Jets’ depth chart at wide receiver was a bit thin. So in comes Nelson.

In three games with the Jets, Nelson has been an able-bodied receiver, with seven catches for 100 yards. His breakout game was last week against the Patriots, with four catches for 80 yards.

Nelson has been with other teams, and he was asked how Geno compares to other quarterbacks he has played with. Here is what David had to say:

I’ve played with a few of them. I’ve played with a few. I was with (Ryan) Fitzpatrick for three years and he was the ultimate pro. His intelligence, the way he approached the game, the way he approached the meeting room and film study, it was unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. Geno’s similar in that way. He came up to us after practice and he was like, “Hey, when you guys are done with meetings, come in here with me and let’s watch film together.” He’s always bringing guys in and always trying to ask guys questions like, “What did you see on that play?” So, he’s hungry and he’s asking questions and he’s asking the right questions. He’s doing his part to make sure that he’s ready to go and that his receivers and the guys that he needs to be in sync with are on the same page. So, for a rookie, that’s huge for me, because he’s got the playbook to learn, he’s got new faces to learn, media and all kinds of different things, but for him to really take control over the guys and say, “Hey, come in and take some time with me. Stay after and throw with me. Stay after and watch some film with me,” speaks volumes (about) his leadership abilities and who he’s going to become later on.

He meant it in a nice way, but comparing him to Fitzpatrick is not exactly comparing him with Joe Montana, if you know what I mean. But I can appreciate the comparison, in terms of how Geno is really working hard to understand how his teammates think, so they can be on the same page at all times.

It seems to be working, the offense is getting better and better.