Jets to start Ryan Fitzpatrick against Patriots
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- With his focus on the present, not the future, coach Todd Bowles announced Monday that the embattled Ryan Fitzpatrick will remain theNew York Jets' starting quarterback.
After sitting on his decision for seven days, through the bye week, Bowles opted for Fitzpatrick over fan favorite Bryce Petty even though the team is out of playoff contention at 3-7.
"He's healthy, he's been our starter," Bowles said of Fitzpatrick. "I don't see anything that could change that right now."
Fitzpatrick sat out the last game (Nov. 13) with an MCL sprain, but he's healthy enough to start Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Bowles.
The Jets' fan base has been clamoring for Petty to start. Fitzpatrick, a free agent after the season, is a lame duck. But Bowles isn't ready to give up on the season to evaluate players for 2017.
"I don't think anything of that argument," he said, referring to those who want him to look toward the future. "We take it week by week. We'll try to get four [wins]. If we get four, we'll try to get five and we'll go from there.
"I don't give away jobs," Bowles added. "You have to take the job."
Fitzpatrick, who signed a one-year, $12 million contract in July, is having a terrible year. He has only eight touchdown passes and 13 interceptions, tied for the league lead. He has the lowest passer rating among starters, 67.6. He has been benched once, but he regained the job when Geno Smith tore his ACL.
"I'm excited to get out there and play versus New England and try to rally the guys," Fitzpatrick said. "This is something I really enjoy doing, and I enjoy doing it with the guys in this locker room."
Petty blew a chance to wrest the job from Fitzpatrick, falling to the Los Angeles Rams9-6 in his first NFL start. He received lukewarm reviews from Bowles after completing 19 of 32 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown -- and the touchdown came on a hook-and-ladder play. He threw a late interception that killed the Jets' comeback bid.
Bowles said he always planned to go back to Fitzpatrick.
"Obviously, you throw 10 touchdowns, you have to take a look at it," Bowles said of Petty's chances. "Barring anything outstanding, Fitz would've been the starter."
Petty refused to say he was disappointed, adding, "You know what? My feelings are irrelevant. I'm not going to focus on me because that takes away from the team.
"Nothing has changed for me," he said. "That's Coach's decision. I'm going to respect that. He knows what's best for the team."
Just last week, general manager Mike Maccagnan called it a "complicated" decision, saying it's a delicate balance between trying to win now and evaluating for the future. He consulted with Bowles, but the coach had the final say.
Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg, a second-round pick, are the only two quarterbacks under contract for 2017. It's the biggest issue surrounding the future of the franchise.
Bowles said he's in no rush to get either player on the field.
"I actually know quite a bit about both of them," he said. "It's not paramount for them to play right now.
"Right now, Fitz gives us the best option. You don't play a person just to see what they have. Petty's time will come. We'll have to be patient with that."
