Geno Smith is feeling the pressure. The quarterback has heard the criticism. He has heard the trade talk. He is aware there are two other quarterbacks on the roster ready to take his place. While offensive coordinator Chan Gailey plans to hand the offense over to the third-year pro, head coach Todd Bowles is not so certain he is the man for the job. Smith told the media that he is confident in his abilities to get the Jets back to being contenders.
According to Newsday.com, the first day of mini-camp for the Jets saw Smith toss three interceptions. However, he bounced back with a solid practice afterwards which is increasing confidence around him. Entering a very critical season for his career, bouncing back will dictate how things go.
"I agree [it's a critical year for me]," Smith said, via Newsday.com. "I believe that we all have to take the next step, we all have to raise our level of play and me, as the quarterback, my game has got to be on point every single week. I have to be on top of my game mentally and physically, so it's something that we all know. Having a good quarterback obviously has a direct correlation to winning in this league."
Ryan Fitzpatrick has made it clear that he will be ready if his name is called from Bowles. The veteran has been healing from a broken leg suffered last year, but is making sure he understands the offense and is ready to compete once he is fully healthy. Bryce Petty is not expected to contend for the starting spot this season, but could be a big factor in Smith's future. Fitzpatrick is not the long-term option while Petty or Smith is. If Smith starts to struggle at any point in the season, Petty will begin to be seen as the next starter for New York even if it is in 2016.
The Jets have the receiving corps to help bail Smith out. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker have been raving about the quarterback's improvement as they started getting to work earlier in the season. Devin Smith was drafted in the second round to help as well. He will not be at mini camp due to the fact that he is going to be a father. That will give players like Jeremy Kerley, DeVier Posey and Jace Amaro chances to improve in the new offensive system before training camp arrives.
