The New York Jets have not lost faith in Geno Smith just yet. While the rest of the fanbase is calling for a change at the quarterback position, the Jets still believe the former second-round draft pick has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL. His first two seasons in the league might not show that, but new head coach Todd Bowles is making it clear that entering the 2015 season, Smith is the No. 1 guy.
While speaking at the NFL Annual Meeting, Bowles made it clear that he has faith in Smith as the starting quarterback for the Jets. This offseason New York traded for Ryan Fitzpatrick from the Houston Texans as many believed the veteran would be favored to get the nod Week 1. However, Bowles likes what he sees in Smith and since Fitzpatrick is injured, the third-year pro will be at the top of the depth chart.
"He's the No. 1 guy right now," Bowles said, via NFL Media's Tiffany Blackmon. "Fitzpatrick is injured and we don't have a draft yet, but we're looking at a competition there based on the way he finished the last game and some of the things he did, he did a great job doing that but without seeing him and sitting down and talking to him it's kind of hard to say right now. He has made some strides."
The Jets have even gone as far as saying they believe Smith is better than Marcus Mariota who the team is rumored to be eyeing in the NFL Draft. The Jets continue to get linked to quarterback rumors since the outlook of Smith is grim at the moment. The New York Daily News reported that trades for both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers were options for the team. However, both the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers have denied that either quarterback is going anywhere for the future.
That leaves the draft for the Jets to get another quarterback that could potentially be "the guy" for the future should Mariota not pan out. They could wait to a later round and get someone like Bryce Petty or Brett Hundley if they favored that first-round pick for another position.
There is faith in Smith outside of just the coaching staff. New wide receiver Brandon Marshall believes Smith is the real deal and the two intend to put in a lot of work together this offseason. Will it pay off or will Smith once again be competing with another quarterback for the starting job?
