NY Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick must limit interceptions

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has played decent with the NY Jets but is far from perfect as he needs to limit his interceptions if the team wants continued success.

The NY Jets are 3-1 thanks to their potent ground game, stout defense and decent play under center thanks to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

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While Fitzpatrick hasn’t played extraordinary, he’s played smart enough to give the Jets a very nice hot start to the season. So far, he’s totaled 924 passing yards on 88 completions for 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

Fitzpatrick has yet to have a game where he doesn’t commit an interception which could become a problem if it continues on this trend for the rest of the season. The Jets are primarily a ground-and-pound kind of team by committing to the run but with a new spread offense passing attack, they need Fitzpatrick to play better to avoid being a one-dimensional team.

It should also be noted that if Fitzpatrick has the kind of terrible performance like he did against the Philadelphia Eagles on a consistent basis and starts to be the reason why the Jets lose football games, one can imagine the leadership in place has an option on the bench to start in Geno Smith.

I don’t see the Jets resorting back to Smith unless Fitzpatrick gets injured or plays so bad to the point where a change is necessary to right the season. Regardless, thanks to the Media Relations Department of the Jets, here is what Fitzpatrick had to say about how he evaluates interceptions with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and what he thinks of his decisions on the field so far:

On how he breaks down film with Chan Gailey when evaluating interceptions…

Each one is different, there’s a different scenario. You try to group it into categories. Was this a bad decision? Was it a bad throw? Was it one that (was) tipped at the line and that’s just going to happen? How can we prevent this and make it better next time. In looking at those plays, and even there’s some that you’re not throwing interceptions but it’s close to a turnover, you really have got to evaluate those plays. I’ve got to try to understand why I’m making certain decisions and try to learn from each play.

On if he is pleased with his decision-making…

I think it can always get better, but the first four games are over with. Me personally, (and all of us) us as an offense, have to continue to work in practice and continue to put a better product out there on the field each and every week and I think we have the right guys to do that.

Oct 4, 2015; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) prepares to the snap from center Nick Mangold (74) against the Miami Dolphins in Game 12 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fitzpatrick has the right mindset since in essence, what’s in the past is just that as it’s time to focus on the next 12 teams he will face one game at a time. The defenses will only get better and truly test the Jets’ offense while capitalizing on any turnovers committed, especially game-changing interceptions that could mean the difference between a winning season or one worth forgetting about.

Overall, it’s good to see Fitzpatrick knows that there is much work to do and continue to grind towards finding the right rhythm that yields consistent results. It won’t be easy but Fitzpatrick is a relatively smart quarterback and has the weapons around him to really make the Jets’ offense click on call cylinders if he limits his interceptions from this point forward.

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