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New York Jets: Top 5 reasons why Bryce Petty isn’t ready yet
Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws a pass during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Falcons 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
When it comes to the New York Jets and the big question mark at quarterback heading into next season, Bryce Petty just isn’t ready to be given the keys to the franchise just yet.
At this point in time, there are a few things that aren’t really guaranteed heading into next season with the quarterback position of the Jets. First off, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has yet to be re-signed as there is a big possibility he could not be an option for the Jets in 2016. If he is re-signed, there is also no guarantee he will replicate the results of last year this upcoming season as in Fitzpatrick’s entire career, he’s never posted back-to-back good seasons.
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Secondly, if he should walk, the Jets would be in a major predicament as to what direction to head in at quarterback. They have some in-house options with both Geno Smith and Bryce Petty, but that might not work in the grand scheme of things. With Smith’s terrible history already with the Jets and the unknown factor of Petty, it might be a disaster for the most important position on the team.
Lastly, if Fitzpatrick walks and the Jets decide to either acquire a quarterback via free agency or select yet another one in the 2016 NFL Draft, it could prove to be very risky. Either way, at no point in time should the Jets ever consider having Petty be their starting quarterback in 2016.
Here are the top five reasons why Petty just isn’t ready yet to takeover for the Jets in 2016.
Next: 5. The transition into the NFL isn't easy
Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) is sacked by New York Giants safety Cooper Taylor (30) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 28-18. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
5. The transition into the NFL isn’t easy
Petty enjoyed decent success in his collegiate career at Baylor. The only problem was, as a fourth-round draft pick with lots of upside, he would need some major development in understanding, handling and executing a pro-style offense in the NFL.
At Baylor, Petty mostly ran a one-read system and compared to the complex offensive playbook designed by offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, it would take at least two to three years of developing him from the sidelines to master everything.
Petty does have a high football IQ but the transition into the NFL isn’t an easy one. Especially at quarterback since defenders are much faster than anything he’s seen in college and defensive schemes are much harder to understand at the line of scrimmage right before snapping the football.
It’s good Petty was able to sit for his rookie season and learn, which would make it an easier transition to a degree but after just one year, it’s not enough for him to be worthy of handling starting duties.
Next: 4. Not mentally ready yet
Aug 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws the ball during the fourth quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions beat the Jets 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
4. Not mentally ready yet
Last year, Petty didn’t play a single snap during the regular season. It was in the best interest of the Jets to continue his development the right way and make sure he stuck to studying everything from the sideline. Even though he technically has a year of NFL experience under his belt, he’s still going to be a bit raw heading into his sophomore season.
One of the biggest characteristics of a quarterback comes down to the mental aspect of the game. Sure, Petty has a good arm, can be a future leader on the Jets and possesses solid accuracy but if he’s off to a poor start or has a bad game, he tends to not be able to pick himself back up and bounce back. He can get rather frustrated when things don’t go his way.
Of course this is an area that will only be improved upon over time, which is why Petty shouldn’t at all be considered a starting option in 2016. One way to ruin a potential future franchise quarterback that is just 24 years old is to have his confidence shattered by starting too soon.
Petty realistically should be ready to give it his all in earning the starting quarterback position of the Jets in 2017 and not anytime sooner than that.
Next: 3. Jets are win-now in 2016
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the third quarter of game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
3. Jets are win-now in 2016
The truth of the matter is the Jets need Fitzpatrick for continued success in 2016. He’s the perfect fit for their offense that was built around him and Gailey’s spread system that catered to his strengths. The Jets need him more than he needs them, make no mistake about it. This team is built to win now due to all the veterans present and youth ready to make some noise this upcoming season.
Since contract talks between both sides have yet to find a middle ground to get a new deal in place, the longer this transpires the likelihood that Fitzpatrick will be gone. Whether he heads to another team or just retires since he’s not getting the asking price to stick around for another year or two, it would present the Jets with a huge question mark at quarterback.
Should the Jets give the starting spot back to Smith? Should they acquire a free agent quarterback? Should they draft another quarterback and have one big competition this summer to deem the best starter possible? Who really knows as only time will tell.
One thing is for certain, Petty can’t handle starting this season since he’ll need more time to learn the ropes on everything that comes with the responsibility. To start Petty would regress this team back to where it just would cause more harm than good. It could be a disaster to go this route for both the Jets and Petty’s career.
Next: 2. Curiosity to see his progression so far
Aug 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in a preseason NFL football game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
2. Curiosity to see his progression so far
It’s one thing to have Petty play in preseason football and a completely other one to have him play in “garbage time” during the regular season. It doesn’t matter if the Jets are up by seven touchdowns against an opponent, Petty shouldn’t be thrown to the wolves at all in 2016.
We all saw what happened with the Mark Sanchez incident a few years ago during a meaningless preseason football game against the New York Giants. It would be such a shame to throw Petty in at any point in the regular season and risk him getting injured just to answer the curiosity if he’s progressing so far from his rookie season.
Petty should continue developing himself on the sidelines, in the film room and learning as much as he can from coaches and veterans around him. Whether Fitzpatrick is back or not, Petty should still continue to hone his craft mentally and prepare for his eventual shot down the road after next season is over.
To rush him would be a waste as it would actually benefit him tremendously to sit out again for the second straight year to continue his development.
Next: 1. Patience is key
Aug 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) warms up before the preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
1. Patience is key
When it comes to how fans of the Jets are, everyone wants things faster than a New York minute. Whether it’s with their coffee, driving on the Brooklyn bridge or walking down the street in Times Square, everyone is always anxious and unwilling to be patient when it comes to many things.
Patience is a virtue in life that if many embrace, would lead to bigger and better things down the road. Such is the case with the development of Petty for the future. If it’s one thing the Jets haven’t had since Joe Namath was guaranteeing a Super Bowl, it’s that they’ve never truly had a franchise quarterback consistent enough to make this team a contender year in, year out.
Is Petty the future franchise quarterback this team needs to make fans forget our only championship dating back to 1969? It’s way too early to tell but patience is key when it comes to Petty. Maybe he could be our next Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, but we won’t know until he’s fully developed and ready to take care of business.
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All it takes is time and patience to see if Petty can be the real deal. His future is bright and as long as the Jets don’t rush anything and get him properly trained, he should be able to take his career to the next level. Once he gets there through this tried and true method of developing quarterbacks the right way, the sky is the limit with his raw potential.