New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles made his intentions very clear before training camp.
The head coach said that the Jets are planning to push Geno Smith as the starting quarterback, but that if he struggles, there is a chance that a change could be made. Smith has been up and down to start his career and the Jets have both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty on the roster behind Smith.
Bowles said in a statement,
"I'm not going in to be 8-8, regardless of whether you have pieces or not, my job is to get us to the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. And 8-8 would not be satisfactory for me. If you feel that his position or any other position is hurting the team, as a head coach, it's up to you to do something about it. It's not a year-long thing for anybody. You earn your keep by the week. You earn your keep by the day, if somebody is not doing their job; it's up to me to rectify the situation."
The Jets have gotten Smith a number of weapons this offseason including Brandon Marshall, now it is up to Geno to either produce or to get benched. If Smith were to get benched then backup Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie Bryce Petty would compete for the job. Knowing the Jets though they may wait a season to throw Petty into the fire; this would allow them to see how he utilizes the Jets weapons as well as draft or pick up some new ones. This is Geno Smith's last chance at starting for the New York Jets and in such a career defining year he is going to need all the help he can get.
