New York Jets: Evaluating quarterback situation for 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 21, 2015

The New York Jets have already had interesting scenarios when it came to their quarterback situation these past few years. Whether it was Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow or the controversy of starting Geno Smith too soon, they always make headlines for all the wrong reasons at the position. Now with Ryan Fitzpatrick in the mix, what will really transpire this summer once a real quarterback competition is in place? Let’s evaluate their current depth at quarterback at this very moment.

The Jets traded to land Fitzpatrick from the Texans since not only is he a decent veteran, he is familiar with both offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and general manager Mike Maccagnan. He knows how to run an offense by Gailey and has the best chance to actually start come next season.

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Smith enters his third season in the NFL and has had a lousy and inconsistent transition into the pros. He was thrown to the wolves in his rookie season and looks like it took a shot at his confidence level and ability to play good enough to put the Jets on the map. He falters on key moments of drives and is known for making silly mistakes that result in turnovers.

Matt Simms has always been a third string option for the Jets that sees most of his playing time on the practice squad and as a last resort kind of option. He’s mediocre at best and if he couldn’t beat out a declining Sanchez a few years ago or a rookie at the time in Smith, I have no reason to believe he is the golden boy to lead the Jets to a championship this upcoming season.

For those that don’t know, Michael Vick is no longer an option for the team as he was released before the start of free agency. While he had glimpses of his old self, one thing he can’t escape is father time and the fact that he simply doesn’t have what it takes to continue his prolific career. The Jets went in a different direction for a veteran presence by acquiring Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick is coming off a broken leg injury from last season so he will most likely need more time to recuperate. This bodes well for Smith and Simms to try to get as much time in at organized team activities this offseason and eventually into training camps before he’s expected to be medically cleared to return to football activities.

While I give credit to Smith for always being known to hone his skills and mechanics during the offseason, this is pretty much his last chance to prove his worth. He’s unfortunately been dubbed a “turnover machine” that saw him commit 34 interceptions and seven fumbles in just two seasons playing in the NFL.

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Jets have a whole new leadership team in place to right the ship into clearer waters with Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles, the big writing on the wall is this is it for Smith. There is no reason to believe that Fitzpatrick can’t beat out both Smith and Simms and be the reliable veteran quarterback the Jets need to succeed in 2015.

Gailey knows how to get the most out of his players and he makes plays designed to play to their strengths. I can imagine that this time around, the Jets will be fair about an open quarterback competition and let the best man win. I just don’t foresee Smith outperforming Fitzpatrick since from what I’ve seen so far these past few years, he’s a backup quarterback at most.

Looks like based on past experiences and the fact that this particular quarterback last season threw for 2,483 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions, Fitzpatrick is the best candidate to head into training camp and prove on the field that he is the best possible option to start at quarterback.

For once, the Jets should have their answer at quarterback at least for the next year or two as Fitzpatrick would honestly give them the best chance to win plenty of football games come next season.

Next: New York Jets: Making the case for Todd Gurley

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