Jets should make permanent quarterback change to Bryce Petty
As the New York Jets prepare for another rollercoaster of a season at quarterback, it’s time to stop the games and head in a better direction under center.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on all accounts, is easily one of the worst quarterbacks you’ll see playing in the NFL. He played so terribly in the first quarter of the regular season, that the New York Jets benched him in favor of quarterback Geno Smith.
By now, you’ve heard the unfortunate news that Smith’s season is over due to a torn ACL injury. It’s also a safe bet that we’ve probably seen the last of Smith wearing a Jets uniform. Hopefully, he’ll be okay and able to play football again, even if it’s with another team. While he got the short end of the stick in his tenure with the Jets, it’s time everyone moved on as that’s just how life is, unfortunately.
The Jets have no other choice but to once again, start Fitzpatrick with hopes he can improve into leading this team to victory. While he did alright in relief duty on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, the truth of the matter is, there is no guarantee he’ll continue the momentum or once again go back to old habits.
Regardless of how he does, once quarterback Bryce Petty is ready, the Jets need to start him and put Fitzpatrick as his main backup. Since the Jets paid Fitzpatrick $12M to hold the fort and continue developing those around him, it’s best to utilize him as a backup/mentor role for Petty.
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Quarterback Christian Hackenberg isn’t ready yet but at the end of the day, it’s time the Jets stop playing games at quarterback and see once and for all what they have in Petty.
He’s had a year to absorb everything and despite his shoulder injury, should be able to step in and get valuable experience as a starter.
The Jets will more than likely not even make the NFL Playoffs this season and if that’s the case, it’s best they unleash Petty now to get an idea of what he brings to the table for next season and beyond.
Once Petty is medically cleared to start, it’s time the Jets give him a golden opportunity to see what he’s learned from his ongoing development ever since he was drafted.
With Fitzpatrick and Smith more than likely gone after this season, he might be the next guy in at quarterback in 2017. It’s best that the Jets start to give him precious starting reps now to get ready for his time to shine over the course of his career.