Instant Analysis: Jets’ Jaw Breaker
Geno Smith has been in the spotlight ever since he departed the NFL stage a round before he was drafted. It didn’t get much better for him either. He was forced into action, probably before he was ready and it showed. Smith finished with more accuracy passing to the opposing team as he tallied just 12 touchdowns to go along with 21 interceptions. His passing yards weren’t much better, as he completed the season with 3,048 yards through the air.
In 2014, he didn’t fair much better. The Jets focused more on the run game as they couldn’t trust Geno Smith throwing the ball. Even though the Jets threw less, Smith’s touchdown total increased by one (13) while he reduced his interceptions (12). He also threw for just 2,525 yards.
In his two full seasons, Smith has thrown 25 touchdowns with 33 interceptions in 29 starts while averaging a meager 189 passing yards per game.
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This off-season we have seen a different Geno Smith. In eight training camp practices, Smith has yet to throw an interception. This led new head coach Chuck Bowles, as reported by Rich Cimini from ESPN New York, to say that the young quarterback’s performance and command of the offense is “night and day from the spring and OTAs.”
It all changed today with a broken jaw from a locker room brawl with LB IK Enemkpali, who was summarily released. The apparent cause of the fight was Geno Smith owing Enemkpali $600 for a flight to appear in Enemkpali’s football camp that Smith did not show up to. I am also thinking there is more here, but this is what we have currently. Let’s take a look at the impact to all involved.
Geno Smith QB
This season was to be a make or break year for Smith. The New York Jets brought in quarterback guru Chan Gailey. Kordell Stewart, Tyler Thigpen, and Jay Fiedler who all became top-ten quarterbacks under Gailey because of his magical touch. Gailey even saw Jets back-up QB Ryan Fitzpatrick throw 24 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons in Buffalo. The Jets organization was hoping he could do the same for Smith. It started looking good for the struggling quarterback as he was performing in camp and showing the first signs of breaking away from any speculation that Ryan Fitzpatrick should be the starting under center. Now he will have to get it all back together again and I just don’t see this happening, at least not this season.
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB
It seems every season since entering the league, a random team kicks the tires on Ryan Fitzpatrick, now having played on six teams in eight years. His most successful tenure has been with the Buffalo Bills and his, now, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Fitz’s best season was in 2011 when he finished as the 11th best fantasy quarterback. He has better weapons now than he did in Buffalo with Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, and Jace Amaro. Fitz is more successful than most people think. In the red zone, he has a higher conversion rate than Andrew Luck and his tendency to toss a high ball will work wonders for Brandon Marshall. Fitzpatrick offers very little dynasty value as he is usually pulled for another starter or released before the following season starts.
Bryce Petty QB
From the start, Petty was not projected to appear in any game this season, barring injury. He’s a very raw talent only playing in the Baylor’s one-read pistol offense. The rookie will not run this offense this season unless all remaining wheels fall from the Jets’ cart.
Brandon Marshall WR
The one thing about Marshall is he has succeeded with every team he has been with. Marshall knows how to use his size (6’4” 230 pounds), especially around the goal line. The last two seasons he hauled in 14 of 25 passes inside the 10 yard line with 11 touchdowns. He is now teamed with Ryan Fitzpatrick who should get the most from Marshall, especially inside the red zone. Brandon Marshall’s role will be to get more of the targets and receptions as the Jets move down the field and will be the key player near the goal line.
Eric Decker WR
Eric Decker (6’3” 214 pounds) is faster and younger than is Brandon Marshall and should be the field stretcher, taking the top off the defense. Fitzpatrick will look for him often, especially if the running game is punishing the defense. Decker will play the same role as DeAndre Hopkins did when Fitzpatrick was in Houston last season. He targeted Hopkins early and often and he will likely do the same with Decker. He will most likely lead the team in touchdowns and yards while Marshall leads the team in receptions.
Jace Amaro TE
He is coming off a rookie campaign in which he dropped too many passes and wasn’t spectacular in any sense. This may all change with Chan Gailey as the offensive coordinator and Fitzpatrick as the quarterback. With the Buffalo Bills, Gailey’s offense targeted the tight end position (Scott Chandler) heavily especially inside the 10 yard line. Amaro does have good hands and if he can shake his rookie season slump he can be targeted as a sleeper tight end with potential top-10 value.
For Amaro, I would put him in a holding pattern. As only a second year starter, he may actually lose more value in the short-term as he was likely role was going to be Geno Smith’s security blanket.
Geno Smith will be arriving either at the end of September or spend eight weeks on the injured reserve/designated to return list. The interesting aspect in all of this is that Smith still has the most long-term value. He has been playing well early in camp and Chan Gailey is not going anywhere for some time. Ultimately, he has the tools to be successful.
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