Backup plan may be just what Geno needs
GENO Smith tried to take the high road as he talked about his broken jaw, which is “100 percent” healed, and the prospect he won’t be the Jets starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.
“You want to be out there. I’m not happy,” Smith said Thursday at the Jets practice facility in Florham Park, N.J. “But it’s not one of those things where it’s going to change my approach, going to change the way I approach teammates or the way we go about our business. I’m not bitter about it. I understand why. I’m going to go out and keep supporting my teammates.”
Then he was asked how things are going working behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was signed to be Smith’s backup this year but has led the Jets to a 2-0 start. That’s when Smith’s face really lit up for perhaps the first time since Aug. 11, when linebacker IK Enemkpali punched him in the face in the Jets locker room, breaking his jaw.
“Fitz has been awesome,” Smith said. “He’s a great guy to learn from. Having him as an asset is wonderful because I can learn from him. That’s what I’m doing right now.”
That is precisely why this respite from being an NFL starter might just be the best thing for Smith’s career in the long run. After being selected in the second round of the 2013 draft, he won the starting job as a rookie by default when Mark Sanchez was injured during the preseason. Since then, the daily scrutiny and the pressure to be perfect has been immense. There has never been a chance for Smith to relax and learn from a veteran.
Sanchez was in no position to be a mentor after injuring his shoulder, while Michael Vick seemed a bit disconnected last season, which is why he wasn’t asked to return. Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, is a 32-year-old 11-year veteran, who has been through it all and seen it all, which can only help Smith.
“Me and [rookie] Bryce [Petty] soak up every bit of knowledge we can from him,” Smith said. “He’s a savvy vet guy that’s been in the league a number of years. He knows the game, so we can learn a lot from him.”
Smith has been cleared by doctors to play again and he took reps with both the scout team and regular offense Thursday. Coach Todd Bowles said he’ll wait until “probably Saturday” to announce who the backup quarterback will be for Sunday’s game against the Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
Smith would likely have the edge given his experience over Petty, the fourth-round selection from Baylor. Petty, who looks like he has potential, is in a perfect spot, being able to learn life in the NFL without the pressure of having to produce as a rookie. Smith didn’t have that luxury and his play has been riddled with inconsistency.
Now he has a chance to watch and learn from Fitzpatrick. It’s not like he has a choice.
“I understand how things work,” Smith said. “We’re on a roll right now, so I’m not opposed to it. Obviously, as a competitor I’d love to be out there competing with my guys. But you’ve got to understand the decision was made and it’s out of my control. I’m going to control the things I can control which is being a great teammate and continue to lead the guys even from the back and once I do get the chance whether it happens here or wherever I’m ready.”
The “here or wherever” comment makes it clear Smith, 24, knows his long-term future may not be with the Jets, especially if Petty develops. For now, Fitzpatrick will be hard to shake out of the starting role. Fitzpatrick has completed 37 of 58 passes for 423 yards and four touchdowns. He has thrown two interceptions and been sacked once. He is the Jets starter and leader now. If Smith is smart, he’ll make the most from watching from the sidelines.