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New York Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick discusses no turnovers

ByLuis Tirado Jr.|

When it comes to the New York Jets and turnovers from the quarterback position, Ryan Fitzpatrick understands the importance of securing the football no matter what. The Jets of last year were notorious when it came to coughing up the football whether it came from fumbles or dreaded interceptions. Thanks to a newly installed spread offense by Chan Gailey, the Jets have so far been playing smarter offensively and done a solid job of not committing costly turnovers.

Fitzpatrick has been doing a solid job transitioning into the starting quarterback of the Jets as the main focus is not creating turnovers or causing any kind of negative yardage. He’s been taking care of business and running the Jets’ offense smoothly as everyone is preparing for not only the upcoming Philadelphia Eagles to end the preseason but the start of the regular season.

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The Jet Press would like to thank the Media Relations Department of the Jets as they sent us a complete transcript of what Fitzpatrick had to say about turnovers, playing smarter football and how he’s been helping rookie quarterback Bryce Petty. Enjoy!

On how he approaches this week of practice…

The fourth preseason game is obviously one where a lot of other guys will get time and so, for me, it’s just, in practice, staying sharp, staying up with the conditioning, making all the throws and all of that. Also, trying to help out as much as possible. I remember when I was in that situation a lot, fighting for a spot on the team in that last preseason game, so just trying to give everything I have in terms of being able to help guys as well.

On whether he would like to play in the final preseason game…

We’ll see what happens, but I think we got what we needed accomplished throughout the preseason so far.

On how important it was for the first-team offense to play the way they did on Saturday…

I mean, I don’t know. I think it makes it easier just in the sense that now all the talk isn’t about not scoring at all and what’s wrong with the offense. So, in that regard it makes it easier, but we still have a lot of work to do and I think we all know that in this locker room and we know that we’re continuing to get better each week. The preparation is going to pick up from here and now it becomes serious.

On whether he sees a difference in the offense when the running game has success…

When we’re able to run the ball like that, I think any team, when you’re able to run the ball, it makes everybody’s job easier. Up front, I know that our guys enjoy that, you’re kind of imposing your will on the other team. We have some really good running backs here, they’ve shown a lot this preseason and throughout their careers, so that will be a big focus for us this year and an important piece for us.

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) stiff arms New York Giants defensive tackle Jay Bromley (96) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

On the way the offensive line played in the last game…

We can’t take too much from it just being a preseason game, but it’s a group that I’m very confident with heading into the season.

On how pleased he was with the way they protected the football…

That’s going to be important for us all year long, protecting the football, not taking sacks, not taking those negative plays. That was something that was good the first three preseason games to come out clean, but that’s going to be a focus for us all year long.

On how he has helped Bryce Petty during training camp…

There’s a lot of work that’s done off the field. When we’re on the field, I just try to preach that everything matters, every rep matters, whether it’s with the scout team, the first, second, third team, you’re always working on your fundamentals and always working to get better. Defensive recognition, even if it’s in scout team, figuring out what the defense is doing and throwing the ball at the right place, you always have to tune your mind to that.

On Coach Bowles saying he wants to evaluate Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson this week…

It’s tough for a quarterback to come in without much time, not much familiarity between receivers and tight ends and running backs. You’re learning the cadence, let alone the formations and the plays. So, it won’t be the easiest of situations, but those two guys are veterans, they’ve played football, they’ve been in a lot of different offenses, so hopefully they’ll be able to pick it up well.

Next: Coffee with the New York Jets: Wilkerson ready for Eagles

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