New York Jets coach Todd Bowles OK with Ryan Fitzpatrick criticizing organization
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick sounded off on the organization after subbing in for the injured Geno Smith during New York’s 24-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. His coach had no problem with that.
Fitzpatrick called out the team for giving up on him when they benched him last week and described himself as a “pissed off underdog.” Bowles said he doesn’t have any problem with Fitzpatrick playing angry, so long as it means he doesn’t turn the ball over.
“If pissed off is going to stop the turnovers, I’m more than happy to have him play pissed off,” Bowles said on a conference call, according to the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta.
Fitzpatrick had thrown 11 interceptions in six starts, and 6 interceptions in one game alone, before being replaced by Smith. But Fitzpatrick was back under center Sunday against Baltimore after spending less than one half on the bench. Smith left the game midway through the second quarter after being sacked awkwardly by Matt Judson, prompting Fitzpatrick’s return. He led the Jets to a touchdown on his first drive back and capped it with a touchdown on a screen pass to Matt Forte.
Smith’s injury turned out to be a torn ACL, which means Fitzpatrick will be the starter for at least next week’s game against the Cleveland Browns. New York’s playoff hopes are on life support at 2-5. But with a stretch against the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and os Angeles Rams ahead, the Jets might make a push to get back in the playoff picture.
A loss in any of those games could kill New York’s chances. The Jets already squandered opportunities against Cincinnati, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. If the Jets are eliminated, they could turn to second-year pro Bryce Petty at quarterback.
The Jets made a conscious decision to keep Petty around as the fourth quarterback on the 53-man roster. They might as well see if he can play. It might take only one more bad game from Fitzpatrick to get to that point.
