The New York Jets announced on Monday that Ryan Fitzpatrick will go back to being the team’s starting quarterback now that Geno Smith is out for the season with a torn ACL. And with that, an awkward situation has gotten that much more awkward.
Fitzpatrick played well in relief of Smith on Sunday, completing 9 of 14 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown and leading the Jets to a win over the Baltimore Ravens. After the game, the 33-year-old said he was motivated by head coach Todd Bowles and the team’s front office not having faith in him.
“I think I should start every week,” Fitzpatrick said, via the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “I play better as an underdog p–ed off.”
On Monday, Bowles was asked about Fitzpatrick’s bold remarks. He did not hold back.
Accurate Bowles quote from tape: “If pissed off is going to stop the turnovers I’m more than happy to have him pissed off the whole time.”
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) October 24, 2016
Prior to the win over Baltimore, Fitzpatrick had thrown an NFL-worst 11 interceptions in six games. Bowles continued to throw support behind the struggling veteran after a loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, but he ultimately decided to bench him. You can read more about why Bowles had a change of heart here.
While the odds are heavily stacked against the Jets making the playoffs, the best-case scenario for them is that being benched was a wakeup call for Fitzpatrick. He’s fortunate to have gotten his job back so quickly.
