The last time that Jets quarterback Geno Smith was set to start a game for the team things were derailed by a punch to Smith’s face delivered by then-teammate IK Enemkpali.
There doesn’t appear to be a repeat of that in the offing now that Smith has been named the team’s starter for this Sunday’s game against the Ravens, although the question of whether Smith has the respect of his teammates did come up during coach Todd Bowles’ press conference. Bowles said he thought Smith has it and that they don’t “hate him.”
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall previously said that he’d go down on the ship with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the team’s quarterback, so he was asked about the change on Wednesday. Intentionally or not, Marshall referenced the Enemkpali incident when asked about what he’s seen from Smith this year.
“It’s been amazing to see this guy grow and really punch adversity in the face,” Marshall said, via Bob Glauber of Newsday.
For Smith’s sake, let’s hope adversity doesn’t decide to throw a counterpunch in the next couple of days.