As the New York Jets begin training camp, a certain familiar quarterback hasn’t re-signed as they should keep things just the way that it is heading into 2016.
Training camp is finally here and well, the biggest question facing the New York Jets is what will transpire at quarterback this upcoming season? Currently on the roster, the Jets have Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg ready for the long summer ahead of preparing for 2016.
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Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t re-signed with the Jets as it’s looking clearer by the day that he probably won’t be returning to the team that he broke records with last season. It’s a shame really, both sides need each other for their continued success but at the end of the day, it’s all about business. Fitzpatrick wants franchise quarterback money and the Jets wisely know it’s not best to invest so much money into a journeyman quarterback who was a product of the system built around him.
For now, it looks likely that Smith gets the nod as the next starting quarterback of the Jets but with a fantastic twist. To date, this would be the best team he’s ever had around him which should undoubtedly enable him to thrive in an offensive system catered to his strengths.
Smith should be able to do very well this upcoming season but should an injury or a decline in play occur, the depth behind him is a huge question mark filled with potential. Petty makes for a good backup quarterback thanks to having a year under offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s system where he was able to learn from the sideline.
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Hackenberg on the other hand is a different story.
He is a major work in progress heading into his rookie season as he’ll need to be completely retooled and retrained for what should hopefully be a bright future.
The Jets should be just fine with their three quarterbacks with Smith starting and Petty being his immediate backup.
Hackenberg shouldn’t be in the conversation to start since he’s nowhere near ready for it. It would be best for the Jets to head into the regular season with what they currently have and give Smith the utmost confidence to deliver.
Smith’s got the potential to do so as it’s best to let him do what he’s capable of and see how it all pans out. Should he falter or not play up to his potential, it might be time to see what Petty could do as a starter or simply venture out to see what quarterbacks are available to acquire at the time.
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Overall, the Jets shouldn’t add a veteran quarterback at this point in time until again, either a severe injury or steep decline in play happens to Smith. It’s time for the Jets to put their trust in him, start with a clean slate forgetting the past and stick with him throughout what awaits this upcoming season. It’ll be tough but maybe with the best supporting cast around him, Smith can finally deliver.