NY Jets: Season is doomed if dependent on Geno Smith

Geno Smith last week with the NY Jets,appeared in his 31st regular season game of his current 3 season career in which he also recorded his 35th career interception.

While starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is still making the start for this Sunday’s game at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it speaks volumes about his toughness and strength. It also speaks volumes about the lack of trust and confidence in Smith.

By deciding to go on with the season as Fitzpatrick under center despite suffering torn ligaments in the thumb of his non-throwing hand, the Jets are providing further evidence that they have essentially given up on Smith after 2 and a half short seasons.

Smith early on showed promise during his first season leading the Jets to an 8-8 record and securing Rex Ryan’s job for one more year. Even though his stats were far from decent recording an excessive amount of turnovers compared to his touchdown ratio, he still led his team to eight respectful victories when they were considered lucky to win even four games that year.

However, as we all know, Smith absolutely tanked it in his sophomore season only winning four games for Gotham and not only securing the Jets a top 10 first-round draft pick which they later used on rookie defensive end  Leonard Williams, but securing Rex Ryan a spot on the unemployment line at the time.

Nov 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Jets 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the start of the 2015 regular season, Smith was poised to be the man for the job, improving in his decision making and field vision during training camp as he was turnover free. It all came crashing down as soon as Smith was involved in a locker room scuffle which left him with a broken jaw and a spot behind Fitzpatrick on the depth chart.

Ever since then, Fitzpatrick has commanded the Jets’ solid offense reuniting with former head coach Chan Gailey and his already familiar offensive scheme. Leading the Jets to a stellar 4-2 record, Fitzpatrick left last week’s game in Oakland with injury.

Smith relieved him and showed Jets Nation just what he was capable of… disaster. Granted, once he settled in he had some decent drives throwing two touchdowns to Eric Decker and Kellen Davis, but he could never capitalize on vital opportunities. There were many opportunities Smith had to stop the clock or tuck the ball and run for important yards to keep the Jets contending.

Instead, Smith took sacks and recorded his 35th interception by throwing the ball into double coverage which led to a pick-six by future Hall Of Famer Charles Woodson. The Jets ultimately lost 34-20 dropping to 4-3 and remaining in second place of the AFC East.

If the Jets were given no choice but to move on with Smith at the helm for the remainder of the year, their season would ultimately be doomed. Smith is not a reliable, consistent and polished quarterback. He has an absolute canon of an arm but he lacks field vision, decision making and most importantly, leadership.

Since Fitzpatrick was named the starter, a feeling of guidance, leadership and direction took over the locker room. He immediately became the leader on and off the field commanding the offense and proving with his reckless rushes, he will do anything to help this team win. Is he the answer long-term, most likely not, the youth (Bryce Petty) needs a chance to be groomed into the starter role such as how Brett Favre groomed Aaron Rodgers.

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Ultimately, I think it’s best right now to stick with Smith as the backup just for pure depth in the quarterback position, if anything, a smart sign would be Matt Flynn  as he’s a veteran free agent that has experience. As for next season, it would be wise to seek trade possibilities involving Smith. He could provide possibly as high as a fifth-round draft pick, nothing amazing but he had his chance to prove himself worthy as the franchise guy and so far he has failed.

Fitzpatrick will need surgery at some point whether it’s during the off season or sooner than expected, but as of right now he’s been cleared to make his eighth consecutive start for the Jets. Hopefully, Fitzpatrick can get Gang Green back on track with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday afternoon. My final score prediction is the Jets coming out with a 24-10 victory over the Jaguars.