The New York Jets spent the offseason loading up on offensive help to improve quarterback play which is going to come in handy as Geno Smith will be out for the next 6-10 weeks with a broken jaw. The pressure is now on Ryan Fitzpatrick who is next in line at the quarterback spot. However, with injuries all around, did the Jets really do enough in free agency?
Head coach Todd Bowles told the media on Tuesday that he has all of the confidence in the world in Fitzpatrick. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall echoed those statements as the former Houston Texans starter prepares to take over for Smith. According to Bowles, if things are going right, Fitzpatrick could stay the starter for the remainder of the season regardless of the health of Smith.
"Every time you get a chance to go out there and play is an opportunity for you in this league," said Fitzpatrick, via the New York Post. "After I was released in Buffalo [in 2013], I didn't know whether I'd have an opportunity to play or at least be the starter again. ... I understand that the opportunities are few and far between and I understand that my time in this league is probably limited in terms of getting these opportunities, so I'm going to take advantage of every single day and every single rep that I get."
With Fitzpatrick, Marshall and Eric Decker become instant fantasy stars as the quarterback will rely heavily on both of them. But what about the rest of the offense?The Jets are hoping the tight end position can play a bigger role in the offense this season. In order for Smith to be successful, he needs as many targets as possible to throw to. Last season the Jets selected Jace Amaro in the second round of the draft and he is expected to have a big role this season, but sitting third on the depth chart draws some questions. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Amaro might be third for tight ends, but he could play a bigger role as a receiver. Right now, the Jets have Jeff Cumberland as the starter with Kellen Davis backing him up. Instead of keeping Amaro strictly at tight end, he could see time as a slot receiver or H-back. Keeping Amaro versatile is key for the Jets right now who have questions at other positions.
The run game has some questions. Fitzpatrick will need a top back to work with throughout the season. The Jets signed Stevan Ridley in the offseason with the idea that he might become the starter for the team, but the running back has yet to heal from a torn ACL and will start the season on the PUP list. Outside of Ridley, no one has emerged as the best contender for the starting running back job. At the moment, the Jets are listing Chris Ivory as their starter with Bilal Powell as the backup. That duo inspired little confidence last season, but the Jets are hoping for different results this year. That could push Zac Stacy off the roster. If Ridley stays injured, Stacy might have a shot at making the final cut in New York, but if the veteran returns then the running back could be out.
