FITZ FINDS IT IS A SNAP
Jets’ new No. 1 QB sharp as he picks up Gang’s offense
FOUR DAYS after a teammate cold-cocked quarterback Geno Smith in the Jets’ locker room, Ryan Fitzpatrick, the veteran reserve who assumed Smith’s firststring position, noticed a kinder, gentler tone from his receivers around the facility in Florham Park.
“Guys like Brandon (Marshall) or (Eric) Decker, those guys are a little more friendly to me now,” Fitzpatrick said. “If I have something in my beard, they’ll hand me a napkin rather than laughing. They’ll get me a water if I need it. Life’s a little bit easier in that regard. They're definitely being nicer to me.”
Fitzpatrick, 32, knows his way around the practice field and the depth chart. He is comfortable in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s system, and has discussed play designs with his wideouts on and off the field now that he will be leading the huddle for the foreseeable future. He connected on his first six throws during
11-on-11 action Saturday afternoon and concluded with strong situational passes. He floated one ball to Marshall and connected with Decker on a quick slant. He maintained that his timing with them is getting better, but made sure to manage expectations, too.
“Plenty of good, plenty of bad that we can work on,” he said.
Coach Todd Bowles noted that he does not know when Smith, who underwent surgery after linebacker IK Enemkpali broke his jaw, will return to the Jets’ facility. Bowles and Marshall both communicated with Smith in recent days, and Marshall said Smith was “good.” The Jets announced Saturday night that Smith has been released from the hospital.
Bowles mentioned a need for swelling to go down and medication to help Smith through the pain, but Fitzpatrick’s focus is on moving the offense forward with the Sept. 13 season opener approaching. Bowles previously estimated that Smith would miss six to 10 weeks. For Fitzpatrick, it is an opportunity to prove that he kept active while watching Smith take the majority of the snaps before Tuesday. He labeled the comfort level as “decent” but also remembered taking the reins elsewhere.
“We’ve still got to put the work in,” Fitzpatrick said. “I know what we have to do and how we need to get there. I know what path we have to take.”
Fitzpatrick played last season with the Texans. He was with Gailey for three years with the Bills and gained a reputation as a quarterback capable of steadying a team in need of a live arm. His lone drive against the Lions during Thursday’s preseason opener allowed him to see an opposing defense under game situations. He completed two of three passes for 16 yards, and planned on playing more in Friday’s matchup with the Falcons at home. His preseason repetitions are a delicate balance for a team with rookie Bryce Petty as the backup now.
There was one immediate fit for Fitzpatrick. It was Nick Mangold, the All-Pro center. Fitzpatrick and Mangold both wear beards in the August heat, and Mangold is the best example of staying power in the organization. He was drafted by the Jets and never left like Darrelle Revis did. Fitzpatrick knew immediately that he could lean on Mangold for institutional knowledge and physical support as he transitioned back to a starting role. He called their adjustment “very smooth.”
“He’s got some really nice grooming combs, wax and things that I definitely need to get on,” Fitzpatrick said. “I don’t know if he has a sponsorship or what’s going on.”