The New York Jets’ starting quarterback job is Ryan Fitzpatrick’s to lose.
Jets head coach Todd Bowles confirmed to reporters Tuesday that Fitzpatrick will continue to receive all of the first-team reps even when Geno Smith is healthy.
Smith was expected to begin the season as New York’s starting QB, but the 24-year-old has been sidelined since last month because of a broken jaw he suffered when then-teammate IK Enemkpali punched him in the face. The locker room confrontation reportedly stemmed from Smith not yet reimbursing Enemkpali for a $600 airplane ticket.
Fitzpatrick has made the most of his opportunity since taking over in Smith’s absence. The veteran has thrown for 423 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions while guiding the Jets to a 2-0 start.
New York’s defense deserves most of the credit for the team’s early success, but the Jets are winning with Fitzpatrick at the helm. Bowles clearly doesn’t want to mess with that formula.
Thumbnail photo via Noah K. Murray/USA TODAY Sports Images
