There’s no getting past the fact that Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s numbers in 2016 have been atrocious thus far. Most of his stats have him ranked in the bottom percentile of NFL quarterbacks. He is 18th in passing yards (1,012), tied for 21st in touchdowns (four), and 29th in completion percentage (55.8%) among the 30 quarterbacks with at least 90 passing attempts. The only category he leads the NFL in is interceptions (10) which is not a good thing. Having said that, it may sound crazy to justify starting Fitzpatrick another game. However, there are reasons why Fitzpatrick should not be benched unless his performance makes the New York Jets start 1-5.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Should be Benched if the New York Jets Start 1-5
You Can’t Find a Harder Six-Game Schedule to Start 2016
Someone in the NFL seemed to dislike the Jets when creating their schedule. The Jets first six games were against teams that went a combined 64-32 in 2015. Five of those six teams made the playoffs last year. That shouldn’t be an excuse, but when you have a quarterback situation like the Jets, you have to put that in account. Also, you have to put in account the fact that most of Fitzpatrick’s bad numbers came from Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs. If you throw that game out you have a quarterback who has four touchdowns, four interceptions, and an AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. That isn’t as crazy as four touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Geno Smith Should be Set Up for Success
Hypothetically, if the Jets started Geno Smith against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals and he loses those games, then what? Would fans and experts alike be calling for Bryce Petty then? Smith hasn’t played a meaningful snap since Week 8 last year. He hasn’t started a game since Week 17 of 2014.
Before Fitzpatrick was signed, Smith was going to be the starter. Coming into 2016 he had a chance to be a good quarterback, but after being on the sidelines for weeks he shouldn’t be thrown into the fire. Smith wouldn’t have Eric Decker until at least Week 5. Also newly acquired tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins probably won’t be completely used by offensive coordinator Chan Gailey right away as was evident last week. Finally, he would be starting against a tough team in the Steelers and perhaps a resurgent Cardinals team. The best bet for Smith’s success would be to wait until Week 7. That is of course if Fitzpatrick can’t manage a win against either the Steelers or Cardinals.
Why Bench Fitzpatrick if the Jets Go 1-5?
It’s been four games so far against some of the toughest NFL teams. As much as people want to say it, the season isn’t over yet. If the Jets get out of the first six games 3-3 they are still playoff contenders. If they come out 2-4 they are still alive.
However, if Fitzpatrick can’t make it out at least 2-4, then he shouldn’t play another snap all season. Even if Fitzpatrick pulled a 2015 Alex Smith and led his team to an 11-5 record after starting 1-5, he still shouldn’t be starting. That’s because if they made the playoffs it’s clear he can’t beat good teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Steelers, and Cardinals. If he can’t beat them, who can he beat in the playoffs?
Also, to be clear, if the Jets start 1-5, it’s unlikely they make the playoffs. With that in mind, the Jets have to find their quarterback for 2017. That person may or may not be on the roster right now, but they should use the last 10 games to figure that out if they go 1-5.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to benching Fitzpatrick if the team goes 1-5, and starting him if they finish 2-4 or 3-3.
For example, if the Jets go 2-4 or 3-3 without the help of Fitzpatrick, then he should be benched anyway. If Matt Forte and Nick Folk combine for all the points, the defense keeps them in the game, and Fitzpatrick just continues to throw interceptions, then there is no justification for starting him. Having said that, don’t expect him to be benched in this case anyway since head coach Todd Bowles is already hesitant to bench him now while the team is doing badly. Brandon Marshall already said he’s going down in the boat with Fitzpatrick, so if that boat is still afloat, Fitzpatrick will probably still be starting.
On the other hand, if the Jets go 1-5 solely because of a lack of defense, then Fitzpatrick should still be the starter. This should only happen if Fitzpatrick is playing so well that he is showing he can keep this team competitive. It should happen if he had something in the neighborhood of eight touchdowns, two interceptions, and more than 600 yards over the next two games.
In the end, neither scenario seems likely. If the Jets beat the Steelers or Cardinals, Fitzpatrick must do well. If Fitzpatrick does very well, it is unlikely the Jets would lose both games. Therefore if the Jets start 1-5, Fitzpatrick should be benched.
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