Todd Bowles on Jets: 'I don't know what kind of car we have yet'

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- One day after Willie Colon warned quarterback Geno Smith not to "crash" the "Porsche" -- the veteran guard's description for the New York Jets' offense -- coach Todd Bowles attempted to defuse the potential controversy by making light of the veteran guard's analogy.

"I don't know what kind of car we have yet," Bowles said Wednesday after practice. "We're still building it. There are a lot of parts to be determined."

One of the key parts is Smith, the presumptive starter despite 34 interceptions and an 11-18 record in two seasons. Instead of replacing him, the Jets improved his supporting cast, hoping it raises Smith's game.

Colon expressed that sentiment Tuesday, saying in a radio interview, "We bought the Porsche, we've given him the keys, he can't crash it."

Bowles downplayed Colon's remarks. Asked if it bothers him that a player would put that kind of pressure on Smith, Bowles said:

"My personal feeling is, if you have nothing good to say about a teammate, you don't say it. There's pressure on everybody."

Bowles added, "I don't see anything wrong with it. I don't see anything harmful." Smith was unavailable to the media on Wednesday.

Bowles reiterated that Smith will go into training camp as the No. 1 quarterback, with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick backing him up. Bowles said "it's Ryan's job to take and Geno's job to lose." In the locker room, the prevailing feeling is that Smith likely will emerge as the opening day starter.

"I've watched him grow through the years," cornerback Darrelle Revis said. "He's been improving every year. That's what you want to see as a quarterback; you want to see the growth. He has to continue to grow."

An improved receiving corps should help. The Jets traded for Brandon Marshall, who joins Eric Decker as the starting wideouts.

Bowles smiled when asked if this offense has Porsche-like potential.

"I don't have a Porsche, so I can't answer that question," he said. "They look nice on the outside, but I don't compare our offense to any type of car or vehicle."