Change needs to happen at quarterback for Jets
By Michael Pallas
The quarterback position of the New York Jets was a question mark all offseason. They didn’t know whether or not they would end up re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, he’s not playing up to par and well, change needs to happen immediately.
The New York Jets shouldn’t look at a $12M contract as a reason to keep quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. They have a team that is capable of a playoff run. After another abysmal performance, it’s time for a quarterback change in New York.
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Fitzpatrick added three interceptions in the Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, including one when they were down by one possession. That gives him nine interceptions in just two weeks. That’s not acceptable for any quarterback, let alone one getting paid eight figures for the season.
Last season, Fitzpatrick had four horrible games that the Jets should’ve won. In those games, the Jets lost by one possession, and in all four games, Fitzpatrick had multiple interceptions. Had it not been for the nine interceptions, the Jets could’ve been in a position to be 3-1 instead of 1-3.
The Jets are now 11-8 when Fitzpatrick starts and finishes games. In the 11 wins, Fitzpatrick has completed 64.6% of his passes and has a 23-5 TD-INT ratio with a passer rating of 111.5. On the other hand, in the losses, he’s complete 51.75 of his passes and has a 3-5 TD-INT ratio with a passer rating of 54.9.
The $12M man is way too inconsistent to be out there. In this situation, it would be perfect to insert one of their young quarterbacks. If he’s healthy, Bryce Petty would be their best option.
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A change would be good for both this season and seasons to come, and it would be a win-win for the Jets.
First, inserting a young guy could provide a much-needed spark for the offense. Second, it can provide experience for the quarterback.
Third, and finally, it can show the Jets coaches what the quarterback is made of against real regular season competition.
Even if Geno Smith, Petty or Christian Hackenberg struggle mightily, the Jets may end up in a position to draft a franchise quarterback.
However, Fitzpatrick is just good enough to get them in position for a playoff run and fall short, which would put them in a precarious situation for their future at quarterback, not knowing what they actually have at the position, and out of the running for a franchise quarterback, like Deshaun Watson or DeShone Kizer.
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Most people expected Fitzpatrick to be the bridge to the young players for next season to build upon this one. However, the time is now for a change before it’s too late.