Top 5 reasons Bryce Petty can be successful

The New York Jets made sure to bring back quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to serve as a bridge to the future. If quarterback Bryce Petty needs to step in for whatever reason, he can be very successful.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws a pass in the third quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Signs point to unnecessary desperation on the part of the New York Jets.  However, the $12M contract with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick does buy them time, just in case they believe Bryce Petty or Geno Smith aren’t ready yet.

Related Story: The bridge to future needs to be short

They signed him expecting him to be the bridge to 2017.  However, it may be sooner, if the Jets start slowly.

The Jets have a good enough offense for a young quarterback to thrive in.  There are several reasons why Petty can succeed with this team, and here are the top five as to why.

Next: 5. Learning from a quarterback guru

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Learning from a quarterback guru

Great coaches are ones that build systems that fit the skills of their players, rather than molding players to fit into their system.  Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has a history of getting the best out of his quarterbacks, regardless of their playing style.

Here are the names of the quarterbacks who played under Gailey as offensive coordinator: Fitzpatrick, Jay Fiedler, and Kordell Stewart.  Those aren’t exactly household names at that position, and yet they were good NFL quarterbacks under him.

First, in 1997, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Stewart had his most yards and touchdowns and led them to the AFC Championship game.  His second quarterback success was Fiedler, who had his most wins, yards, highest completion percentage and most touchdowns for a season in which he started at least one game, and finally Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2015.

Stewart was a young up and coming running quarterback, Fiedler was young and up and coming true pocket passer, and Fitzpatrick was a veteran with the ability to throw from the pocket and run when necessary.  Gailey’s track record speaks for itself, and he can help both young quarterbacks and veterans.  With Petty, he will get the most out of him without question.

Next: 4. Three-headed monster at running back

4. Three-headed monster at running back

It’s always good for a young quarterback to have a good running game to lean on.  The Jets obviously have that which if Petty has to come in at any point this season, will help him tremendously.

They have a quality three-headed monster a running back this season.  In the beginning of the free agency period, the Jets signed Matt Forte and followed that up by re-signing Bilal Powell and signing Khiry Robinson.

First and foremost, Powell and Forte will provide the Jets with options on the ground and in the air.  Secondly, Robinson will be their go-to power back.

That’s all a young quarterback could ask for.  As a result of having this three-headed monster, success can come early for him.

Next: 3. The cannon attached to his right shoulder

3. The cannon attached to his right shoulder

Petty has a strong arm, and it’s been on display during the preseason.  He can accurately bomb it with touch or fit it in through a tight window if need be.

His arm gives them more options in the passing game.  In addition to being able to sling it in on short passes for yards after the catch, it gives the Jets a deep threat potential they don’t have with Fitzpatrick, and thus, keeping defenses on their toes.

So far in the preseason, he has shown that he can make good decisions. During the preseason, he’s in the top ten in completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns and passer rating among quarterbacks who have 40+ passes.

Petty has shown he’s capable of playing this game.  Now, he just needs an opportunity to prove he can do it in games that actually matter.

Next: 2. Defense wins championships

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Defense wins championships

In 2015, the Denver Broncos proved that the old adage “defense wins championships” still rings true.  Despite suspect quarterback play all season, they were able to win the Super Bowl completely on the backs of their defense.

The Jets have a ball-hawking backfield on defense that grabbed 18 interceptions in 2015.  Furthermore, they have a ferocious front seven.

They will have to improve on their sack total of 39 from 2015, though.  They’re certainly capable of doing it, and it will greatly help their back four.

Overall, the defense can mask the growing pains of Petty, if they choose to change quarterbacks by mid-season.  The Jets can ride this defense to a playoff berth.

Next: 1. Safety nets are already in place

Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) rushes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter of the preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

1. Safety nets are already in place

Last season’s offense was predicated on short and precise throws because they didn’t have a strong-armed quarterback.  By the end of the season, it became apparent that the Jets couldn’t win that way, because teams were daring Fitzpatrick to beat them deep.

In his article, “What advanced stats say about Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 2015 season,” NJ.com writer Dom Cosentino used advanced stats from Football Outsiders to show this.  According to Football Outsiders, seven of his 31 touchdowns didn’t travel more than two yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

As a result of that game plan already in place and Petty’s strong arm, the Jets should be able to mix the long passes and short passes enough to keep defense guessing as to what is coming next.  Furthermore, Powell, Forte and tight end Jace Amaro should provide a security blanket for him.

must read: Special teams is light years ahead of 2015

Petty is young, but he has the pieces necessary in place to succeed whether this season or in the future with the Jets.  All things considered, he is in one of the best situations for a young quarterback.