Despite the performances from Week 1 of the preseason, New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles still has Geno Smith as the No. 2 guy.
New York Jets starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick finished 3-for-4 for 72 yards; Geno Smith went 8-for-14 for 79 yards and a touchdown; and Bryce Petty threw for 93 yards on 7-of-14.
These were the lines for the three quarterbacks in Week 1 of the preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium last Thursday.
For Geno Smith, specifically, there were highs and lows. The lows consisted of a terrible first drive that heard boos reign down upon him, while the highs featured a nice ball to rookie Charone Peak for the Jets only passing TD on the day.
Despite what you may think, the status quo hasn’t changed. Geno is still entrenched as the No. 2 quarterback.
Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed the news, via Jerry Beach of The Sports Xchange:
“Won’t make a competition after one preseason game,” Bowles said. “Geno’s No. 2. Fitz is No. 1. Bryce is three.”
That one straightforward statement from the boss has temporarily put any thoughts of second-year Bryce Petty overtaking Geno for the backup role. Petty looked solid last Thursday, playing the majority of the second half. And considering Christian Hackenberg isn’t going anywhere any time soon, Petty and Smith are competing for the final QB spot on the roster.
That is, unless, the Jets decide to keep four QBs.
For now, it remains Fitz, Geno, Petty, and Hack. Their next huge opportunity comes on Friday in Washington D.C. as the Jets will take on the Redskins.