2. Quarterback
When the casual NFL fan looks at the New York Jets, there’s only one spot of uncertainty that comes to mind.
It’s, of course, the quarterback position.
Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has made the most noise about the position as during mini-camp he proclaimed Geno Smith the starter. Then Bowles sort-of used some words of his own to make sure everybody backs off Gailey’s bold statement.
In any event, this is the top positional battle of Jets camp. The one spot that’ll sway the most games during 2015 thanks to the nature of the NFL these days.
The addition of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and drafting of rookie Bryce Petty certainly mixes things up.
Yet again, Geno toyed with our emotions towards another end to a season. Just as he did during the final four games of the 2013 season, Smith played brilliantly (along with Eric Decker) in the 2014 season finale in Miami.
Prediction:
There’s no question Geno will get the first crack when the season starts. He possesses the most talent of all three guys and has showed some quality attributes along the way. Standing strong in the pocket while delivering the ball and using his mobility are traits that can help a defensive minded team to an extraordinary degree.
Should he falter, Gailey will lean on a guy he’s very familiar with in Fitzpatrick. He’s a veteran who’s always shown a quality to get hot over the course of a few weeks. Then, unfortunately, he eventually fizzles out.
One thing is for sure. With the quarterback-killer known as Rex Ryan officially gone, this grouping of quarterbacks now has a chance to trend up, instead of heading downward with the absolute fear of turning the ball over drilled in their heads.
