The Jets slumped to their fourth loss in the last five games on Sunday afternoon and saw quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick play poorly for the second week in a row.
Fitzpatrick, who had left thumb surgery last Friday, completed 19-of-39 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown in a 24-17 loss that was sealed when he threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter. He threw two picks in a 22-17 loss to the Bills in Week 10 and those final scores tell you just how costly those giveaways have been to a Jets team that has slipped down the ladder of AFC playoff contenders.
After the game, coach Todd Bowles was asked if he was considering making a change at quarterback. Bowles said “not at this time” and said he was still committed to Fitzpatrick before failing to totally slam the door on the possibility.
“When we meet every Monday, our discussion involves who starts at every position,” Bowles said, via NJ.com. “We’ll discuss everything we’re doing Monday like we always do.”
While Fitzpatrick has not played well, it’s hard to see the Jets opting to pull the plug at this point. Starting Fitzpatrick nine days after surgery would seem to speak volumes about their faith in Geno Smith’s ability to handle the job and turning to rookie Bryce Petty would be a desperate move with a Wild Card spot still a reasonable goal for a team that has displayed problems that go well beyond their quarterback during their current skid.
Should the struggles continue against Miami next weekend, that might not be the case and Bowles’s answer might be different. For now, though, it seems they’ll continue to ride with Fitzpatrick.