The post-Geno Smith era for the New York Jets got off to a rocky start on Thursday night in the team's first preseason game of the season against the Detroit Lions. The Jets managed just three points in the game while the starters saw very limited time on the field including Ryan Fitzpatrick who is set to replace Smith as the starting quarterback. While Fitzpatrick barely got any time to show what he could do, head coach Todd Bowles made it clear that New York stands behind the quarterback as the best option for the future.
Fitzpatrick completed just two passes for 16 yards while leading a 10-play drive which resulted in a field goal. Fans likely wanted to see more of Fitzpatrick as he will be the man in charge following Smith's decision to get surgery after a locker room fight left him with a broken jaw. Bowles told the media via ESPN.com that Fitzpatrick will be the starter moving forward and the team is simply being cautious with how quickly they push him into the offense.
"I thought he did well," Bowles said, via ESPN.com. "He really commanded the offense. He's cool, calm and collected. There was nothing big to brag about, but he did his job."
Bowles stressed that Fitzpatrick is still coming back from a broken leg suffered last December with the Houston Texans. The quarterback is not as sharp or strong as he needs to be to start the year, but the Jets are confident that things improve quickly. Until then, the team is eyeing free agent options to help with depth behind Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty. According to NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported that Michael Vick would not be an option for the Jets despite being on the team last year. Getlin reports that the Jets and Vick's agent determined that it would not be a good fit for the quarterback.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Jets will take a look at veteran Matt Flynn after he was released from the New England Patriots. Flynn is reportedly dealing with an elbow injury which caused him to get cut, but the Jets simply need depth. Petty is far from seeing the field as New York sees him as a project quarterback so they need talent behind Fitzpatrick. Tyler Thigpen and Rex Grossman are also being viewed as options. For the time being, trade deals for Mike Glennon or Kirk Cousins are not being explored.
