Ryan Fitzpatrick remains the Jets' starting quarterback, coach Todd Bowles said Monday, a day after saying he wouldn't rule out a change.
After Sunday’s 24–17 loss to the Texans, Bowles hinted at the possibility backup Geno Smith could take over.
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On Monday, Bowles was honest but supportive in his assessment of Fitzpatrick, who has started all of the Jets’ games this season.
“I think Ryan made some good throws. I thought he made some bad ones as well,” Bowles said (via the New York Daily News). “But you don’t give up on a quarterback just like that, because overall what he’s done this year, he still proved he can do that going forward.”
Asked if Fitzpatrick would be on a shorter leash Sunday against the Dolphins, Bowles said: “No, he’s the starting quarterback.”
The Jets (5-5) are 1-4 in their past five games, falling to a wild-card bubble position.
Fitzpatrick has thrown four interceptions in the past two games, including two crucial ones in the fourth quarter against the Texans. Yet while recognizing that he hasn't played well, the veteran also expressed confidence that he can get the season turned around.
“I think at this point in my career, I’ve learned a ton in all the different situations I’ve been in,” Fitzpatrick said Monday. “I have no problem shouldering any blame that gets thrown my way and all the blame that I deserve and don’t deserve. And I think I’m the right guy to get this going back in the right direction.”
