The New York Jets downward slide is continuing as the team fell against the Houston Texans dropping to 5-5 on the season as they watch the playoffs slowly fall out of their grasp. As a whole, the offense struggled against the tough Houston Texans' defense while the secondary simply could not contain DeAndre Hopkins. However, the person shouldering most of the blame for the loss is Ryan Fitzpatrick who now has his job being put into question.
Fitzpatrick knows the highs and lows of the NFL. Last week the talk surrounding the quarterback was a contract extension. Now many are wondering if he will be benched for Week 12. Following the loss, head coach Todd Bowles told the media that he has not given any thought as to who would be starting under center next week after Fitzpatrick clearly struggled on the field.
Not at this time," Bowles said, via NJ.com. "We'll meet on all that stuff on Monday. We'll discuss everything we're doing Monday like we always do."
Fitzpatrick has not played well recently, but the issue is the Jets do not have any better options. Geno Smith proved he is not ready for prime time while Bryce Petty remains a mystery and starting him would be a clear move of desperation or a look at what the future could hold for the franchise. Fitzpatrick went 19-of-39 passing for 216 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The idea that either Smith or Petty could do better next week against the Miami Dolphins does not seem likely.
The issues for the Jets stem way past the quarterback position. Brandon Marshall had two key drops that could not be pinned on the quarterback. Chris Ivory struggled to get going. The offensive line is dealing with a number of injuries. It is not all Fitzpatrick, but the first thing a team wants to do when things are not going well is move the quarterback.
"The last two games, we've played good defenses, but it shouldn't matter who we play," Fitzpatrick said, via NJ.com. "We came out slow in both games. We've got to find a way to come out faster and make some of the plays we're not making."
The Jets have a lot to think about with the quarterback position considering Fitzpatrick will be a free agent at the end of the year. New York Daily News was reporting that the best move to make would be to re-sign the veteran, but after his play recently that might not be the case anymore. With quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick or Matthew Stafford being available along with Sam Bradford and Kirk Cousins, getting someone new in might end up being the move the Jets make to move forward.