New York Jets: Ryan Fitzpatrick Still Looks Rusty
William Hauser-USATSI

New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick still looked rusty in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The main topic from this offseason was whether or not the New York Jets would bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick. They waited until the day training camp opened to do so and ultimately, it likely affected Fitz.

He wasn’t terrible on Sunday, but he wasn’t great either. He finished 19 of 35 for 189 yards with two touchdowns and a pick.

There was a mix of rustiness and not being on the same page with his wide receivers on Sunday. Last year, Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall had tremendous seasons. In the first game, they had a combined five receptions.

Marshall had three catches for 32 yards and Decker nabbed two passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. These numbers are far from impressive.

It looked like all game long that they couldn’t get on the same page, which is ultimately one of the reasons they were unable to beat Cincinnati.

It may take a couple of weeks for the Jets to get fully in sync due to the lack of playing time they have had together.

Unfortunately the Jets schedule doesn’t give them much time to figure things out. Not only do they have a very tough first six games, but they also have a quick turnaround playing in Buffalo on Thursday night.

Buffalo has had the Jets number as they have won the last five matchups between the two teams. Additionally, you know Rex Ryan will have his guys motivated against his former employer.

Rex has contained Fitz throughout his entire coaching career. The Jets need Fitz to win the battle this week. They can’t afford to drop to 0-2. It’s only week two, but the Jets have to look at this as a must win game.

The Bills will most likely load the box against Fitz, forcing him to get the ball downfield. It’s something Fitzpatrick struggles with, but with two big receivers, he has a better chance of them going up to get the football.

Fitzpatrick is not a perfect QB but he fits in this system. Eventually he will be on the same page with Decker and Marshall; it’s just a matter of when. The more time they practice and play together will only help build chemistry.

He is going to have to figure it out quickly, otherwise their season could be down the drain before they even have a chance to get it in gear.

Next: Wives Of Eric Decker, AJ McCarron Take In New York Jets-Cincinnati Bengals Opener

I'm a Jets, Islanders and Mets fan from Long Island. I'm the General Manager of my college radio station WFTU Riverhead where I also do a sports talk show called "This Week In Sports". In addition to ESNY I'm a co-editor of EyesOnIsles.com. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -Wayne Gretzky" -Michael Scott