Ryan Fitzpatrick… Savior of Jets Season?
December 16, 2015
In March of this year the New York Jets executed a trade with the Houston Texans to get quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for a seventh round pick. At the time it was looked at as a trade for a solid backup to then starter Geno Smith. But when Geno got into a fight with ex- teammate Ik Enemkpali and broke his jaw Fitzpatrick had the perfect chance to step in and prove his worthiness.
Fitzpatrick, who graduated from Harvard, was drafted in the Seventh round by the St. Louis Rams in 2005 has been an NFL journeyman having played with six NFL teams in his career. He was never able to land a permanent starting job on any team and got the role as a backup. That’s exactly what the Jets thought they would get when they traded for him in March.
He has been exactly the opposite as he has led the Jets to a 7-5 record and a position to get into the playoffs. This season he has thrown 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with 2,866 yards and rushed for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns. This is all the Jets possibly could’ve asked from being in the situation they put him in. He has also taken on the role as a leader of this Jets team who needs one fighting for a playoff spot. Antonio Cromartie told reporters the other day, “As our leader, he’s a guy that we honestly do believe can come out and take over a game.” He said nothing short of what the people want to hear as Jets fans. “That’s what it’s really all about, from a quarterback’s standpoint,” Cromartie said. “He has the belief in himself, and the belief in his teammates, and we believe in him. And he goes out and has fun and plays the game like he’s been playing it since he was five years old.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick may have been a blessing in disguise this off season for the Jets and he will continue to contribute as much as possible in order for him to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.