The New York Jets have faced plenty of questions regarding the quarterback position this week as Ryan Fitzpatrick underwent surgery to fix ligament damaged on his non-throwing hand. Fitzpatrick has not been seen at practice until later in the week which drew into question whether or not Geno Smith would be getting the starting nod or not. However, with Sunday on the horizon, Fitzpatrick made it clear he is ready to play.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Fitzpatrick will get the starting nod over the Houston Texans on Sunday as he prepares to face one of his former teams. The quarterback has been limited since undergoing surgery on his left thumb, but he told the media he is good to go for Sunday and the surgery will not hinder his progress. This is certainly good news for New York considering the quarterback has been the team MVP all year. He took over for Smith and has not looked back. Fitzpatrick gives the Jets the best chance at winning on Sunday as they remain in the race for the playoffs.
With Fitzpatrick partially healthy, the Jets know that other players must step up and help. Eric Decker has been dealing with injuries, but is expected to be fine for Week 11 while Brandon Marshall is the player who has struggled recently more than anyone else. Key drops and mistakes have stalled drives and Marshall is vowing to improve.
"For me, just looking at myself in the mirror, I have to play better," Marshall said, via ESPN.com. "It's as simple as that. I haven't been consistent. One game I make a big play. The next game I make a bonehead mistake or drop a ball at a crucial moment. Playmakers have to make plays."
The Jets are also pushing Stevan Ridley to hopefully provide some relief for the struggling Chris Ivory. Running against the Texans will not be easy and Ivory has not put up the numbers needed over the last few games. With Zac Stacy out, Ridley will help carry the run game in Houston. The Jets did workout Dri Archer as a possible addition to the roster, but they have yet to sign him.
The Jets are still in the playoff hunt, but it is an uphill climp to get there. With team has clearly improved under head coach Todd Bowles while general manager Mike Maccagnan is making it clear that playoffs or not, this season has been a success up until this point.
"I don't view it as a benchmark, saying, 'We have to be here at some point in time.' We want to build a team that can compete for the playoffs and then, hopefully, at some point in time, beyond that. But I wouldn't necessarily say playoffs-or-not [is] a benchmark," Maccagnan said, via ESPN.com.