The New York Jets need improvement from Geno Smith. The success of their upcoming season will be dependent on how good the quarterback looks as he enters his third season with the franchise. The Jets did everything they could in the offseason to surround Smith with top playmakers including trading for Brandon Marshall and drafting Devin Smith. However, could an injury to the run game derail things?
The Jets have struggled on the ground in recent seasons which has resulted in their offense stalling out. However, they are hopeful this year is a different story with Stevan Ridley signed in free agency and Zac Stacy traded for after the draft. According to ProFootballTalk.com, Ridley has been placed on the PUP list, delaying his start with Jets. The running back is still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last season and has yet to show much on the field as he is expected to play a key part in the upcoming season. That is good news for Stacy and Chris Ivory who are battling for roster spots in training camp.
The Jets are hopeful the offensive weapons they have in place are enough to push Smith this season. The quarterback has been working out with Marshall for a good portion of the offseason and the wide receiver expressed a lot of confidence in the young player as he battles to start over Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty.
"It's on Geno. No. 1, it's on him to take advantage of the opportunity of having [wideouts Eric] Decker and [Jeremy] Kerley and our offensive line, and the four horsemen in the running back position," Marshall said, via the New York Post. "It's on him, No. 1, and then it's also on us, too. It's not just a one-man show. We've got to support him, and we've got to be able to support each other."
Smith told the media that he does not feel any pressure entering this season. The quarterback is fighting for his long-term and short-term future with the franchise. Head coach Todd Bowles noted that Smith had some improving to do, but he would begin the season as the No.1 guy. It remains to be seen if he can maintain that position on the depth chart if either Fitzpatrick or Petty improve.