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The Pressure is on Ryan Fitzpatrick to Perform for the New York Jets

By Alan Schechter

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets did what they had to do when they re-signed Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Now he must repay the favor in 2016.

New York Jets’ fans are thrilled that this is finally over.  What began as a small issue when the 2015 season ended turned into the biggest team distraction of the off-season, but it is complete.  On training camp eve, the Jets ended the standoff with Ryan Fitzpatrick, re-signing him to a very creative contract and re-anointing him as the starting quarterback.  The team is happy, as seen in Brandon Marshall‘s Instagram photo, as are most of the fans.

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Make no mistake about it. This was the only move the Jets could make for the 2016 season.  Fitzpatrick had to come back.  But now that it is done, he had better make it worth it, because the pressure is all on him.

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Take a look at the lengths that Mike Maccagnan and the Jets went to bring Fitzpatrick back at the eleventh hour.  As explained by Rich Cimini of ESPN, a phony second season was tacked on to allow them to spread out a $10 million signing bonus over the two years.  In simple terms, Ryan will make $7 million in salary in 2016 and a $5 million signing bonus, giving him the publicized figure of $12 million with only seven counting against the salary cap.  The second year voids five days after the Super Bowl.

This is clear evidence of the fact that the Jets don’t, and never did, have confidence in the abilities of Geno Smith, despite the public stance.  If they were confident in the quarterbacks that were here and believed that they could start in 2016, Fitzpatrick would not be in the building today.  The Jets needed Fitzpatrick, they knew it, and they made it happen.  It took a long time, but they do deserve credit.

Now, it’s Ryan Fitzpatrick’s turn.

There is now a ton of pressure to make “Fitzmagic” return for an encore of 2015.  By taking a one-year deal (one “real” year), as Brian Costello wrote in the NY Post, Fitzpatrick is “betting on himself”.  He believes he can earn one more big contract by putting up huge numbers in 2016.  He had better do it, otherwise he will hear about it.  If the Jets start off slowly and Fitzpatrick is turning the football over, the same fans that were calling for his return will be chanting Geno’s name.

OK, judging by his past, maybe not Geno’s name, but maybe Bryce Petty?

Now if you look at the numbers, there is reason to be concerned about whether or not Fitzpatrick can, in fact, do it again.  His history when coming off of a big season is not great.  In 2010, he threw for 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions for the Bills.  The following year, his ratio was 24 touchdowns vs. 23 interceptions.  After a 24-touchdown performance for Buffalo in 2012, he dropped to 14 TDs in 11 games for the Titans.

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Can Fitzpatrick do it again?  Sure he can.  He certainly has the weapons in New York.  He had better get it done, as he has set the bar high for himself.

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