" Can Geno Smith quarterback New York Jets into 2015 playoffs ? " ? ? ?

[kelly]

The New York Jets are poised to make a legitimate run at the AFC East crown -- or, at least, a wild-card slot -- behind a championship-caliber defense and a talented collection of skill players with the potential to anchor a sneaky-explosive offense in 2015. Of course, the team will need efficient play from the quarterback position to earn a spot in the postseason.With that in mind, I wanted to take a long, hard look at Geno Smith. Does the third-year pro have the tools to get it done for Gang Green in coach Todd Bowles' first season ?

 

After looking back through my pre-draft notes and studying the All-22 Coaches Film from Smith's first two seasons, here's what I expect from the much-maligned quarterback, whose performance could make or break the Jets in 2015:

What's the scouting report on Geno Smith ?

The prolific quarterback out of West Virginia was expected to come off the board in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but a draft-weekend slide allowed the Jets to snap him up with the 39th overall pick. Watching Smith when he was in college, I believed he had all of the tools to develop into a quality NFL starter. He displayed a high football IQ -- I was impressed with what I saw of his football aptitude when he served as a counselor at the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp prior to his senior season at WVU -- and was a diligent worker behind the scenes. From a physical standpoint, he was an accurate thrower with a strong arm and quick release. He showed outstanding ball placement on various quick-rhythm throws (slants, seam routes and skinny posts) in the Mountaineers' spread offense. In addition, he was courageous in the pocket, exhibiting the toughness and concentration to deliver the ball in the face of heavy pressure.

 

 

Despite a slight regression in production during the second half of his senior campaign -- Smith started the season with a 25:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio but finished with a 42:6 mark after a few bad games down the stretch -- and concerns about his ability to transition from a spread offense to a traditional pro-style system, I viewed Smith as a streaky player with the potential to blossom into a quality starter in a scheme built around his talents as a quick-rhythm passer.During his first two seasons with the Jets, Smith certainly has been an inconsistent playmaker from the pocket. He has mixed a handful of brilliant moments with a number of boneheaded mistakes that lead to questions about judgment and awareness. Smith has surrendered 41 giveaways (34 interceptions and seven lost fumbles) in 30 appearances (29 starts), showing a propensity to turn the ball over when attempting to improvise outside of the pocket. Smith routinely throws the ball up for grabs at the end of scrambles, resulting in costly turnovers at inopportune times. While some of his mistakes can be blamed on the Jets' leaky pass protection, the fact that he has consistently put the ball in harm's way is a major concern.In terms of the positives in Smith's play, I would cite his accuracy and ball placement on quick-rhythm throws. When given the opportunity to execute an assortment of catch-and-throw passes (one- and three-step shotgun passes or three- and five-step drop-back passes), Smith gets the ball out of his hands quickly and delivers pinpoint passes within the pass catcher's strike zone. Smith shows good timing and anticipation on in-breaking routes between the numbers. He releases the ball well before the receiver makes his break and routinely fits the ball in tight windows between multiple underneath defenders. Smith's aggressiveness and confidence delivering the ball over the middle is uncommon for a young quarterback, which is why a wily offensive coordinator would welcome the opportunity to work with him as a developmental player.

 

Although Smith needs to work diligently on reducing his mistakes and costly turnovers, he displays enough ability and potential to merit some consideration as a long-term solution at the position. In the right environment, I can envision Smith playing the game like Matt Hasselbeck in his prime. During my time with the Seattle Seahawks, I watched coach Mike Holmgren use a tough-love approach to help Hasselbeck refine his game and eventually develop into a Pro Bowl quarterback. The veteran coach stressed the importance of stringing together completions to pick up first downs and sustain drives. When Hasselbeck finally adhered to Holmgren's instructions to simply "connect the dots" as a passer, he became a top-10 quarterback (after entering the league viewed as a marginal prospect). If Smith follows a similar blueprint, he could finally settle the Jets' quarterback situation.

How will Chan Gailey build the offense around Smith's talents ?

 

When Bowles hired Gailey to guide the Jets' offense, he brought on an innovative play designer with a reputation for concocting quarterback-friendly systems. Gailey's positive work with the likes of Kordell Stewart, Tyler Thigpen and Ryan Fitzpatrick speaks volumes about his adaptability and flexibility as a play caller. As the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, Gailey transformed the ultra-athletic Stewart into a capable pocket passer by tweaking the playbook to feature a number of quick-rhythm and movement-based concepts to help the youngster make solid decisions with the ball. With the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, Gailey brazenly introduced the NFL to the "pistol" offense with Thigpen at the helm. Gailey decided to incorporate the collegiate tactic into the playbook to help his inexperienced passer quickly transition to the pro game after being thrust into the starting role due to injuries. Gailey's decision to install Thigpen's collegiate offense (he ran the pistol at Coastal Carolina) not only showcased his ability to build around a quarterback's specific talents, but it also demonstrated his schematic flexibility as a play designer.With Smith at the helm for Gang Green, I would expect Gailey to continue to use a variety of spread formations with "10" (1 RB, 4 WRs) and "11" (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs) personnel on the field. The quarterback was at his best at West Virginia directing the offense from a shotgun attack with spread personnel on the field. This matches Gailey's philosophy of using open sets to clear up the pre-snap reads for the quarterback, allowing the signal-caller to be confident and decisive with the ball. In addition, Gailey likely will use a number of quick-rhythm concepts to help Smith promptly get the ball out of his hands. The Jets would be wise to play to Smith's strengths as a rhythm thrower while masking an offensive line that's struggled in pass protection at times.

 

Here are some of the quick-rhythm passes Gailey could feature in the Jets' game plan to help Smith get off to a fast start in 2015 :

 

WIDE RECEIVER SCREEN

 

The "now" screen is the easiest way to get the ball into the hands of dangerous playmakers on the perimeter. The screen is an effective complement to zone-read action in the backfield and gives the quarterback a low-risk pass with big-play potential against "off" coverage. Gailey has always mixed in a variety of screens into his game plan to offset blitz pressure, but he likely will incorporate more WR quick screens -- especially against soft coverage on the outside -- to take advantage of passive defenders on the edges. Not to mention, Smith proved capable in such concepts a season ago.

In the play depicted just below, taken from last year's game at Miami in Week 17, New York executes a quick screen to wide receiver Eric Decker to exploit soft coverage on the perimeter. Decker is positioned on the outside to the right as part of the Jets' dubs formation. He will take three steps up the field before retreating to snag the screen pass from Smith. With a nice set of blockers leading the way, Decker turns a short pass into a solid gain on a high-percentage play

 

CHEVRON CONCEPT

 

If Gailey has studied all of Smith's NFL game tape, he'll have quickly realized his young quarterback is very comfortable executing the "Chevron" concept (snag-corner-flat) from the pocket. Smith understands how to read the designated defender (curl/flat player) and consistently targets the open pass catcher. As a result, the Jets repeatedly ran "Chevron" from a variety of formations; it allowed Smith to string together completions and keep the offense in favorable situations on early downs. Given the multiple formations and pre-snap shifts/motions that can be created to disguise the play, Gailey could make this concept one of the staples of the Jets' game plan in 2015.In the next play breakdown, drawn from the Week 14 game at Minnesota, the Jets are aligned in a dubs formation, with Percy Harvin lined up in a nasty split on the right. He will run the snag route, with tight end Jeff Cumberland instructed to execute a corner route and running back Chris Johnson racing to the flat. Smith is reading the reaction of the outside linebacker (Minnesota's Chad Greenway) to determine whether to throw the ball to the flat or hit the snag route. When Greenway follows Johnson to the flat, Smith fires a dart to Harvin for a 9-yard gain

 

This sets up a manageable third down, allowing the Jets to avoid the type of risky, long-yardage situation that can lead to a turnover.Later on in the game against Vikings, the Jets call Chevron again -- as you can see in the following footage -- but Smith elects to work the back side of the play when he notices the cornerback playing soft against Decker. The veteran receiver is running a 6-yard hitch against "off" coverage, which is an easy completion for a quarterback. Smith quickly fires the ball outside and allows his big-bodied pass catcher to create a third-and-short following a solid gain

 

In the next play breakdown, the Jets are again running Chevron from a dubs formation, but this time it is against the Dolphins in Week 17. Chris Owusu is aligned at the flanker spot to the right, with Cumberland in the slot. Owusu will run the snag, with Cumberland on the corner and Chris Ivory racing to the flat after short motion in the backfield. The Dolphins are playing man coverage, which locks linebacker Jelani Jenkins onto Ivory. However, Jenkins gets confused with the crossing action and drops coverage on Ivory to the flat, resulting in an easy touchdown to Ivory on Smith's favorite concept

 

HITCHES

 

Smith does a great job executing quick-rhythm throws in stacked and bunch formations. These condensed sets force the defense to scale back on press coverage and allow the quarterback to quickly identify which defender is vulnerable to the horizontal read on the outside. Once again, this helps Smith make quick decisions with the football and deliver accurate passes -- because he knows exactly where to go with the football.In the following play, taken from the Week 15 contest at Tennessee, the Jets are aligned in a dubs stack formation, with Decker positioned on the left and T.J. Graham just behind him. Decker is instructed to run a 6-yard hitch, with Graham immediately racing to the flat to create a horizontal stretch on the flat defender (Marqueston Huff). When Huff expands to match Graham, Smith immediately delivers a dart to Decker on the inside, resulting in an 8-yard gain and a first down for the Jets

How will a new-and-improved receiver corps impact Smith's game ?

It's uncommon to find an inexperienced quarterback with the talent and leadership skills to raise the play of his supporting cast at a young age. Thus, it is imperative for decision makers to surround a green signal-caller with a diverse WR corps that features a number of players with complementary skills. Surveying the Jets' roster heading into Smith's "make or break" season, I believe the team finally has enough weapons on the perimeter to allow the young passer to thrive from the pocket.

Brandon Marshall was acquired from Chicago via trade, giving the team a legitimate WR1. The 10th-year pro has been one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL over the past decade, with seven 1,000-yard campaigns and 65 career touchdowns on his résumé. Despite constantly facing double coverage on perimeter, Marshall has topped the 100-catch mark five times. With the Jets, he will give Smith a big-bodied pass catcher to lean on in key situations -- particularly on third down and in the red zone, where quarterbacks are forced to fit the ball into tight windows. Given the Jets' scoring woes a season ago -- New York finished 28th in points per game -- I would expect Marshall to receive plenty of targets on back-shoulder fades and traditional post-up plays when Gang Green gets inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

 

Decker is the ideal WR2 offensive coordinators covet in the lineup. He has imposing physical dimensions (6-foot-3, 214 pounds), yet is a polished route runner with strong hands and impressive ball skills. He is at his best working inside the numbers on digs and short crossing routes, but he also flashes the skills to make impact plays on "now" screens and fade routes. Decker is crafty at the line of scrimmage and has a little wiggle to elude defenders in traffic. In an offense that's poised to feature more catch-and-run plays designed to get the ball out of Smith's hands, the presence of another big-bodied target will allow the young passer to use both sides of the field.

 

The Jets have yet to fully tap into the skills of Jeremy Kerley, but the fifth-year pro could blossom as a slot machine in the team's three- and four-receiver sets. Kerley is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. Given his quickness, burst and running skills, Kerley could see his role enhanced as the "go-to guy" on screens and quick routes from the slot. Also, Kerley could touch the ball on an assortment of gadget and misdirection plays, which are staples of Gailey's offense.Devin Smith is the X-factor of the group, as the designated deep threat in the lineup. The team's second-round pick in May averaged an incredible 28.2 yards per catch during his final season at Ohio State, tallying 17 receptions of 30-plus yards (including 10 of his 12 touchdowns). Thus, Smith immediately adds a big-play element to an offense that desperately needed a vertical playmaker to prevent opponents from condensing the field with aggressive coverage tactics. Last season, the Jets finished with just 40 passing plays of 20-plus yards (30th in the NFL); that should change with Smith coming onboard. If he can enhance the passing game as a vertical threat, Marshall and Decker will have plenty of room to work on underneath routes inside the numbers.

Is Smith good enough to get the Jets into the playoffs this season ?

Yes, I believe so. Smith is definitely talented enough to lead the Jets into the postseason, but he has to play the game the right way to get it done. He needs to continue to reduce his turnovers (Smith dropped his interception total from 21 as a rookie to 13 last year) and avoid the silly mistakes that make things too easy for the opposition.Most importantly, Smith needs to become a better "game manager" and master the nuances of playing complementary football. With one of the best defenses in the NFL supporting him, Smith simply needs to play the position like a pass-first point guard, allowing his teammates to make plays on the perimeter. If Smith adheres to the script that Gailey and Bowles lay out for him during training camp, the Jets should be right in the thick of the playoff race come December.

 

> http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495103/article/can-geno-smith-quarterback-new-york-jets-into-2015-playoffs

[kelly]

more re our qb...

 

 

~ ~   Guard Willie Colon, one of the veteran leaders on the New York Jets, delivered a not-so-subtle message Tuesday to quarterback Geno Smith: Don't screw up, kid."We bought the Porsche, we've given him the keys, he can't crash it," Colon said in an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio. "Bottom line, he can't crash it. We need him to be on top of his game. We're doing everything we can as an offensive line to make him comfortable back there."

 

"We bought the Porsche, we've given him the keys, he can't crash it."

 

Instead of replacing Smith in the offseason, the Jets' new regime tried to improve his supporting cast. The biggest move was trading for former Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall. It doesn't put them in the category of an elite sports car -- after all, they finished 28th in scoring -- but it will be their most talented group of skill-position players since Smith arrived in 2013.After watching Smith endure two seasons of sometimes severe growing pains, Colon expects to see a more mature quarterback in 2015."Geno's career right now is extremely turbulent," Colon said. "He was never ready to be the starting quarterback of the New York Jets. When Mark (Sanchez) went down (in 2013), he was thrown into the fire and he was forced to cook.

 

"Everybody knows in this league, to be a quarterback, which is the No. 1 position on the field, it's a maturation period you have to go through," he said. "It takes the mental, the physical and everything that goes along with it to be the best or even be in the top 10, if you will."Now Geno, with that said, has made his mistakes. He said some things where you look at him like, 'What are you talking about?' But I think that's all about his maturation period."The Jets are coming off a 4-12 season, but they were one of the most active teams in the offseason. They have a new coach, Todd Bowles, and confidence is high. The big question is Smith, who is only 11-18 as a starter with 34 interceptions.

 

Nevertheless, Smith is the presumptive starter. He will go into training camp as the No. 1 quarterback and will receive the majority of the first-team reps. Bowles said last week it's "his job to lose." The backup is journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, whom the Jets acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans.

 

> http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/12998916/willie-colon-says-new-york-jets-need-geno-smith-top-game

[jetfrantik]

Yes!!

[GenoandtheJets]

We will have to wait and see to get the answer for that question. I hope he can.

[kelly]

just an fyi...

 

~ ~ Weakest offensive position groups

 Gregg Rosenthal - Around The NFL Editor

 

Bucky Brooks ranked the ten scariest position groups in the NFL last week, which got us thinking. What equivalent groups around the league look the most unfinished heading into the season ?

 

Here's a look at the weakest position groups on offense heading into the 2015 season. We'll hit the defensive positions later in the week :

 

Weakest quarterback group: Cleveland Browns

 

There are plenty of unfinished quarterbacks to choose from, but Cleveland stands out because they have a sub-par "stop gap" option and little hope for the future. Josh McCown is the definition of a journeyman on his seventh roster in 14 NFL seasons. His single promising stretch as a starter came in five starts for Chicago in 2013, but he failed to survive an ugly situation in Tampa last year. The Browns' boffo offensive line should help McCown improve in Cleveland, but he has a shaky group of weapons to throw to. (See below.)Ignoring the off-field issues, Johnny Manziel looked lost as a football player during his rookie season. Early progress reports this offseason have not been promising. The Browns' stated strategy is to "minimize" the quarterback position, which doesn't sound like a great idea in the year 2015.

 

Honorable mention : Buffalo Bills,    New York Jets,   Oakland Raiders

The Bills have a similar situation to Cleveland, although we trust Matt Cassel more than McCown. ... We still haven't given up on Geno Smith improving in year three. ... Derek Carr still has a lot to prove, and the Raiders backup is now Christian Ponder.

 

rest of above article :

> http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495380/article/weakest-offensive-position-groups

 

[kelly]

Yes!! ..but doubtful...Very doubtful

 

fixed ^ ^

 

[kelly]

more re our qb...

 

~ ~ Geno Smith must learn to handle 'Porsche' on bumpy roads

 

A look at what's going on around the New York Jets :

 

1. Vroom, vroom: I have a feeling Willie Colon's "Porsche" quote will have a significant shelf life. In case you missed it, Colon said of Geno Smith, "We bought the Porsche, we've given him the keys, he can't crash it." At the risk of piling on, I'm going to use the analogy to examine one aspect of Smith's game. To avoid an accident, the Jets' quarterback has to do a better job of navigating rough roads. Let me explain.

 

Geno Smith has shown a propensity to allow one mistake to turn quickly into more mistakes.

 

 

One of the hallmarks of an elite quarterback is his ability to handle adversity. How does he respond after a bad play? Our NFL Nation Denver Broncos reporter, Jeff Legwold, devised a system that grades quarterbacks in that area. We'll call it the Legwold Index. Basically, he charts their performance in the six plays that immediately follow a bad play -- interception, sack, lost fumble and a botched third-down conversion (tipped pass, stumble, etc.) The latter category is a bit subjective for after-the-fact analysis, so for the purpose of evaluating Smith, we'll limit it to interceptions, sacks and lost fumbles.

 

Conclusion : He'll need to do a lot better in 2015 if he wants to keep the Porsche in one piece.

 

In those situations last season, Smith completed only 52 of 102 passes (51 percent) for 679 yards, with one touchdown, four interceptions and seven sacks (including a lost fumble). The lowpoint was Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, when he threw an early interception and followed up with two more in a span of six plays. That got him benched. His best game was Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans, when he was 7-of-10 for 88 yards. There was an uptick late in the season.Every quarterback encounters adversity, whether it's his fault or not. If Smith wants to stay in the driver's seat (sorry), he'll have to demonstrate more mental toughness in those situations. An improved supporting cast should help.

 

2. Some things don't change: The Jets gained a reputation under Rex Ryan for having a lot of loose cannons in the locker room. You know what they say: A team reflects its coach's personality. You figured that would change under the buttoned-down Todd Bowles, but Colon's comments, coupled with Antonio Cromartie's criticism of Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, indicates that culture still exists.Bowles downplayed Colon's remarks, but you got the sense he wasn't thrilled. As reporters, we're not complaining. Colorful quotes make good copy, but they also create a certain perception about a team and I wonder if Bowles is comfortable with that look.

 

3. From the "One-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words" file: This happened Wednesday night in the Delta Lounge at Yankee Stadium, where WFAN radio personalities Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton held their "True Blue" softball event to raise money and honor the memories of three recently slain New York City police officers.In a room filled with celebrities, media and VIP fans, Bowles sat alone on a bar stool, occasionally posing for a picture and signing an autograph. About 20 feet away was Ryan, surrounded by a swarm of reporters. Imagine: The former coach generated more buzz than the current coach. But you know what? Bowles seemed perfectly content. And so did Ryan.

 

4. Mo brushing up on X's and O's: Even though he skipped the voluntary workouts and organized team activities (OTAs), Muhammad Wilkerson said he has a good grasp of the defensive system being installed by Bowles. He has a copy of the playbook, which is stored on a computer tablet."I've sat down with some guys and kind of went over some plays, so I know about the scheme," he said Friday night at his charity bowling event in his hometown, Linden, New Jersey. "I know the things that we're trying to get done. That's not an issue."Wilkerson was coy about his plans for the mandatory minicamp, Tuesday to Thursday, but he's expected to attend. When he steps on the field, he will assume his old starting position, according to Bowles.

 

5. Taking the air out of Jordan: Wilkerson wasn't asked about Cameron Jordan's new contract, which prompted a cryptic response on Twitter, but I can tell you this: Wilkerson isn't looking at the Jordan contract and saying, "I want what he got." He wants more.Jordan signed a five-year, $55 million extensions with the New Orleans Saints. It has $33.5 million in total guarantees, including $23 million fully guaranteed at signing. Methinks Wilkerson is seeking at least $40 million in guarantees.The Jets may use Jordan's contract in negotiations because there are similarities between the players. Jordan was drafted 24th in 2011, Wilkerson 30th; Jordan has 29 sacks and five forced fumbles, Wilkerson has 24 and seven; Jordan has one Pro Bowl, Wilkerson was second-team All-Pro.

 

6. Something you didn't know about Darrelle Revis: Growing up, his favorite NBA team was the Portland Trail Blazers. How does a kid from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, fall in love with a team from the Pacific Northwest? The colors. The Blazers have the same colors as Revis' high-school team -- red, silver, black and white.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51729/sunday-notes-jets-qb-geno-smith-must-learn-to-handle-porsche-on-bumpy-roads

 

 

 

 

[kelly]

A few takeaways from the New York Jets' minicamp practice on Tuesday :

 

Jets QB Geno Smith made some poor throwing decisions during Tuesday's minicamp practice. 

 

1. Oh, no, Geno: Coach Todd Bowles was asked to assess Geno Smith's practice performance, and the first words out of his mouth were, "I saw leadership." Bowles was trying to be positive; it wasn't easy. Smith struggled in the first practice, throwing three interceptions in team drills -- including two in the red zone. Anybody who watched the Jets last season knows their Achilles' heel was the red zone. In a word, they stunk. It's early, very early, but he didn't do anything to make people forget about 2014. He made two bad decisions. He threw a 50-50 ball in the corner to Jeremy Kerley that was intercepted by Dex McDougle and, a couple of minutes later, he failed to read the safety on a pass over the middle -- a ball that was picked off by rookie Durell Eskridge.Bowles said red zone interceptions are inexcusable -- you're giving away points -- but he didn't scold Smith too harshly."He's been making some good decisions," said Bowles, adding, "I think his growth is coming along pretty good."Despite 34 interceptions in his first two seasons, Smith is the presumptive starter. He will go into training camp as the No. 1 quarterback, although he hasn't been anointed yet by Bowles. If he has a couple of three-interception days in training camp, it'll complicate the decision.

 

2. Ryan's hope: As expected, backup Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't get nearly as many reps as Smith. Unofficially, it was 36 for Smith, 14 for Fitzpatrick. That includes all reps, not just first-team work. Fitzpatrick was relatively sharp, but he, too, committed a major no-no -- yep, an interception in the red zone. He threw a floater in the back of the end zone and it was picked off by Jaiquawn Jarrett. Clearly, Fitzpatrick doesn't have Smith's arm strength, but the ball comes out quickly. Chan Gailey's offense is designed for the quarterback to make quick throws. That's great, as long as the throws don't go to the other team.

 

3. Mo's back: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who hinted before practice he could be limited because of a lingering turf-toe injury, didn't sit out any drills. Practice started with a team drill, and there was Wilkerson, lining up in his familiar spot with the starters. His reps were monitored because he was away so long, as he skipped the first two months of the offseason, but he came through his first practice quite nicely. He was sharp mentally and physically, according to Bowles.

 

4. Defensive standouts: Two players jumped out -- safety Rontez Miles and rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin. Miles, trying to make the team after two years on the practice squad, made a nice pass breakup and intercepted rookie Bryce Petty. Mauldin, a third-round pick, was active as a pass-rusher, showing some burst out of a three-point stance. Mauldin worked mostly with the second team, as did first-round defensive lineman Leonard Williams.

 

5. Busy day for Ivory: Running back Chris Ivory was a workhorse, doing a little bit of everything. He was heavily involved in the passing game, and -- not surprisingly -- dropped a couple of passes. That's the thing with Ivory: You won't find a tougher runner between the tackles, but he's not a smooth pass receiver. That makes me wonder if he'll be a good fit in Gailey's spread system, which works better with a running back that can catch and make plays in space.

 

6. Musical guards: Don't look now, but there's a new challenger in the right guard competition. His name is Brent Qvale, a first-year player from Nebraska. Doesn't ring a bell? He spent last season on the practice squad after getting waived in the preseason. He took most of the first-team reps, with incumbent Willie Colon (knee) resting and Oday Aboushi backing up at left guard. Brian Winters, coming back from knee surgery, also got some work at right guard. Something tells me this won't be decided until the week of the season opener.

 

7. Injury report: Tight end Jace Amaro (back) sat out as a precaution. There's no long-term concern, according to Bowles ... Cornerback Dee Milliner (Achilles'), safety Marcus Gilchrist (shoulder) and running back Stevan Ridley (knee) didn't participate in team drills, as expected. ... Rookie receiver Devin Smith was excused for a personal reason.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51774/geno-smith-throws-three-interceptions-in-jets-minicamp-practice

[kelly]

re our QB dep. -

 

~ ~   New York Jets quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo, addressing the media for the first time on Wednesday, shared some insights on his pupils: Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and rookie Bryce Petty. Some highlights from the interview :

 

His overall impression of Smith from watching him on tape: "He's athletic and he throws the ball with a lot of velocity. I don't think people realize that, but he throws with a lot of velocity and that's good. You need to be able to do that and get it out quick. He has good, quick feet, and we like to be in shotgun, and that's good. It kind of matches that well right now. He has the physical talent you like."New York Jets quarterbacks coach Kevin Patullo likes the leadership qualities of rookie Bryce Petty. 

 

On Smith's demeanor in the classroom: "In our room, it's great right now between him and Fitz and Bryce and Jake [Heaps] and myself. We're all very talkative. We talk things through. He's open to asking questions. He has no problem standing up in front of everybody, talking about what's going on, what he sees, what he doesn't see. Right now he's in a good spot, feeling confident in himself."

 

On whether he believes Year 3 is the cutoff point in a quarterback's development (see: Smith): "It's tough because it's back to a different spot. Yeah, he's seen a lot of defenses and he's seen a lot from our defense, so he's getting mature. … But it's still a new offense for him. I don't know if the third year is the year, but he should know more about what's happening out there."

 

On whether Fitzpatrick has an advantage because of his previous experience in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's system: "Mentally, Fitz is good right now, but he needs reps with our guys. That's the problem. He's still getting healthy, and he's still working through [his broken leg.] Plus he's two years removed from our system. It could be different. It might not be exactly what we did in Buffalo."

 

On his early impressions of Petty from having coached him in the Senior Bowl as a member of the Titans' coaching staff: "He's a real good leader. He wanted to be the starter in the Senior Bowl. He wanted to put himself out there and be the guy. You don't teach that; guys either have it or they don't. That was something I enjoyed and liked about him. He was a little different in that aspect."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51832/jets-qbs-coach-says-geno-smith-has-the-physical-talent-you-like

[joewilly12]

If I wanted to read a book I wold have went to Barnes and Noble sheesh. 

[kelly]

Geno: Bringing the Heat
The 6’3”, 221-pound Geno Smith, who has started 29 games in his first two pro seasons, possesses excellent physical traits.“He’s very athletic and he throws the ball with a lot of velocity,” Patullo said. “I don’t think people realize that, but he throws the ball with a lot of velocity and that’s good. You need to be able to do that and get it out quick. He’s got good quick feet. We like to be in the shotgun and that’s good.  It kind of matches up well right now, so he’s got some of those physical tools that we like.”

 

After a few turnovers Monday, Smith rebounded with much better decision making in the club’s second workout.“Today he did a much better job. You watched him just kind of scrambling or dumping it down or throwing it away if we had a bad play because we’re not scheming our defense right now,” Patullo said. “We could have a bad play potentially called in general because they give us a bad look and he’s got to learn to execute it and kind of get us out of it if it happens.”

 

Fitzpatrick: Reps Are the Key
An offensive assistant in Buffalo from 2010-’12, Patullo is keenly aware of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s capabilities as the latter threw 71 TD passes and for more than 10,000 yards (10,232) in those three years. The Jets have taken a cautious approach with Fitzpatrick this spring, ramping up his workload as the veteran signal caller returns from a leg injury.“He’s got to get the time down with our guys too. So as he keeps getting more reps, it will get better,” Patullo said. “But mentally – he’s sharp and for Geno it’s been great bouncing back and forth ideas off of him. And we watch a lot of the Buffalo tape, so Geno’s able to watch that with Fitz. So right now, he’s in a good spot mentally.”

 

Petty: Major Transition Is the Defense
Rookie Bryce Petty has embraced his pro transition, putting in the necessary hours off the field.

“He’s a worker. He works extremely hard every day in the classroom,” Patullo said. “He has no problem coming in early, staying late, doing his thing. He asks Fitz and Geno all the time, ‘What did you guys see?’ He relies on them. He feels confident in seeing it.”

While at Baylor, Petty did not have a playbook and did not run a huddle as tempo was emphasized. Required to scan the field at times, Petty’s major adjustment will be reading complex NFL defenses.

“It’s not really the offense – it’s just the speed of the defense, the different defensive looks,” Patullo said. “That’s what’s difficult for any college quarterback.”

 

> http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-6/Jets-QB-Progress-Report/867302e9-002a-40c2-8fb8-c7b55a798ed2

[#27TheDominator]

Wilkerson was coy about his plans for the mandatory minicamp, Tuesday to Thursday, but he's expected to attend. When he steps on the field, he will assume his old starting position, according to Bowles.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51729/sunday-notes-jets-qb-geno-smith-must-learn-to-handle-porsche-on-bumpy-roads

 

Shouldn't he have to "compete?"

[JetsFanInDenver]

Yes, if Geno is able to raise his playing level to slightly below average.

[kelly]

If Geno produces at an Alex Smith level, do you see the Jets getting to the post season? #Jetsmail

 

@RichCimini : Heck, yeah. The Jets would sign up for an Alex Smith performance in a New York minute. Consider Smith's stats over the past two seasons: 41 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions. If Geno Smith plays to that level, they'd absolutely be a playoff team, considering they already have a strong defense. As Calvin Pace said last week of Smith, "Nobody is asking you to go out and be Joe Montana." They don't even need him to be Joe Flacco. All they need is Joe Game Manager: Cut down the turnovers, get the ball into the hands of the right people and keep the chains moving. If Smith can do that, the Jets will be mighty happy. The problem is, he's simply not as accurate as Alex Smith, whose game is predicated on a high completion percentage.

 

rest of above article :

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/52087/can-geno-smith-carry-jets-to-playoffs-with-alex-smith-type-season

[kelly]

@RichCimini At what point in the season can you see Bowles going to Fitzpatrick if Geno struggles ?

 

 

@RichCimini : You're assuming Smith will be the opening-day starter, which I think will be the case. I don't think Bowles' hook will be as quick as everybody thinks. One of the objectives this season, aside from making the playoffs, is determining, once and for all, if Smith is the guy this regime wants as its quarterback. They can't string it out until 2016; that would make no sense. For that reason, I think Smith will get a fair shot. How long is fair? It's impossible to forecast, but the first pressure point is Week 5 -- the bye week. If the Jets are 1-3 at the bye and the offense is sputtering, it would create an opening for Bowles to make the move to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bowles strikes me as a practical coach who won't reach for the panic button at the first sign of trouble. He'll make a change when he feels the next guy can do the job better.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/52108/could-colin-kaepernick-be-in-the-new-york-jets-future

[kelly]

Five AFC Teams to Watch That Missed the 2014 Playoffs

 

Continuing our look ahead to the upcoming 2015 season, we examine five AFC teams, who missed the playoffs last season, which have a chance to surprise many and contend this year. Unlike the NFC teams, where they all had losing records in 2014, our AFC list has three teams who finished last season with winning records.

 

~ ~ New York Jets (2014 Record: 4 – 12)

 

Head Coach: Todd Bowles

 

Key Addition(s): CB Darrelle Revis, CB Antonio Cromartie, WR Brandon Marshall, G James Carpenter, RB Stevan Ridley, RB Zac Stacy, QB Ryan Fitzgerald, CB Buster Skrine, DE Leonard Williams (Draft Pick), WR Devin Smith (Draft Pick)

 

Key Loss: WR Percy Harvin, RB Chris Johnson

 

Why They Have a Chance: The Jets had one of, if not, the busiest off season of any team. Coming off a horrendous 4 – 12 season, Owner Woody Johnson cleaned house and brought in a whole new regime. Mike Maccagnan was hired as the team’s General Manager, while the reigning AP Assistant Coach of the Year Todd Bowles was brought in as Head Coach. From there, the two men started reshaping this team. On offense, incumbent QB Geno Smith will be given a chance to compete and win the starting job. His main competition appears to be veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. The quarterback position might single handedly determine the fate of the Jets 2015 season. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has been entrusted to build an offense that will bring out the strengths of whomever wins the starting job. Smith will head into training camp listed first on the depth chart, Fitzpatrick, on the other hand, played for Gailey in Buffalo, so he has a feel for his coach and experience in the system. Either quarterback will have weapons at his disposal.  Wide receiver Brandon Marshall was one of the first acquisitions made by Maccagnan. Marshall will give the Jets offense a true number one receiver, allowing Eric Decker to slide into the number two spot, something he excelled at in Denver. Second round pick Devin Smith will bring the element of speed to the position. With 4.4 speed, Smith was one of the best deep ball catchers in the draft. At running back, Chris Ivory returns for his third season as a Jet. Joining him will be free agent pick-ups Zac Stacy (Rams) and Stevan Ridley (Patriots).

 

Defensively Todd Bowles did a terrific job in Arizona coordinating a defense that dealt with injuries and suspensions most of last season. Bowles likes to play an aggressive, attacking brand of defense, and one that sets the tone of the football game. He did not have the talent with the Cardinals that he will have with the Jets. The defensive line has the likes of Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, Sheldon Richardson, and first round pick Leonard Williams supplying pressure up front. Coupled with a secondary that features Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine, and former first rounder Dee Milliner, and Linebackers Calvin Pace, David Harris, Jason Babin, and Quinton Coples.  Bowles will have the ability to bring pressure, from all three levels of the defense, at opposing quarterbacks.

 

The AFC east looks to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this coming season. To be a playoff contender, the Jets will need things to fall into place quickly. Offensively, the Jets will be a work in progress until they figure out which quarterback gives them the best chance to succeed. What will keep the Jets competitive from the start will be their defense, and Maccagnan and Bowles have put together a collection of talent that can compete with anyone in their division.

 

rest of above article :

>  http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/five-afc-teams-to-watch-that-missed-the-2014-playoffs/

[kelly]

Today's question : Is there any hope for New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith ?

 

Mike Rodak, Buffalo Bills : About as much as EJ Manuel has in Buffalo. Like Manuel, Smith showed flashes early in his career (remember him tossing for 331 yards against Buffalo back in 2013?), but I just can't see him turning it around in New York. The temptation for Chan Gailey to turn to Ryan Fitzpatrick -- who made the Bills one of the NFL's best offenses for a brief moment in 2011 -- will eventually prove too strong. Smith has a meager 42.3 QBR against AFC East opponents, and now he'll play Rex Ryan's defense twice a year. Think Ryan might know a thing or two about where Smith is vulnerable ?

 

James Walker, Miami Dolphins : The only hope for Smith would be to play all 16 games at Sun Life Stadium in his hometown of Miami. For some reason, Smith is a Pro Bowler in road games against the Dolphins. I've seen him twice under those circumstances, and he was at his best. But there are many more games where I've seen "Bad Geno." I am convinced his inconsistency will hold Smith back from being a franchise quarterback. The Jets cannot win consistently with Smith because he turns the ball over way too much -- he has 34 interceptions and 10 lost fumbles in 30 career games. Smith is athletic and has enough arm talent to be a solid backup quarterback but nothing more. The sooner the Jets realize that, the better.

 

Mike Reiss, New England Patriots : I don't see it from a long-range perspective. But in the short-term, maybe the Jets have done enough to surround him with solid weapons and the potential for a top-notch defense to create a Trent Dilfer-type 2000 Ravens dynamic; that was the year Baltimore won the Super Bowl, led by its defense. Dilfer and Tony Banks "game managed" the offense and mostly avoided critical mistakes as the Ravens won several low-scoring games. I just have doubts that Smith can consistently avoid those critical mistakes based on what we've seen the past two years.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51846/afc-east-qa-is-there-hope-for-geno-smith

[JetCane]

If I wanted to read a book I wold have went to Barnes and Noble sheesh. 

LOL

 

Welcome to The Kelly Files.

[kelly]

Jets quarterback Geno Smith hasn’t found many admirers in his first two NFL seasons, but the Jets haven’t found a surefire replacement for the 2013 second-round pick which means that he’s the favorite to be under center when they start the 2015 season as well.Some, including Smith’s teammate Willie Colon, have shared their opinion that Smith’s play could hold back a Jets team with a talented defense and improved group of offensive skill position players. Colon also said that he thought Smith was pushed into the lineup before he was ready to play, something that Ron Jaworski of ESPN agreed with while sharing his own positive take on Smith’s growth as a quarterback.

 

“I think Geno, when I’ve looked at him now for a couple of years in the NFL, I see a quarterback that’s getting better,” Jaworski said, via the team’s website. “He’s forgotten the mistakes and I still remember going to Morgantown, West Virginia for his Pro Day and outside of Robert Griffin III –- it was one of the best pro days I’ve seen. So he can make every throw, he can do everything it takes to be an NFL quarterback. It’s just about consistency. It’s now Year 3 and believe me we put these guys way before their time out there on the field and we expect a Peyton Manning performance. It doesn’t happen. I see a nice growth every single year in Geno and I like the future of the Jets with Geno Smith at quarterback.”

 

Greg Cosell of NFL Films wasn’t quite as bullish about Smith, but gave the Jets high marks at receiver and running back when he said “they have people in place” to help Smith be more successful in 2015. That cast won’t matter without the gains in consistency that Jaworski mentions, however, and the Jets won’t know until Smith is under fire whether or not he’s able to fix the problems of the past to be the leader the Jets need on offense.

 

> http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/29/ron-jaworski-likes-the-jets-future-with-geno-smith/

[#27TheDominator]

How many people are going to call him Fitzgerald?  That is what passes for journalism? 

[kelly]

How many people are going to call him Fitzgerald?  That is what passes for journalism? 

 

Fitzzzz...

 

 

[Brand New Jet]

He better be able to..  He's the best chance we have right now.... Fitzpatrick has been a below avg QB for years now and I doubt he's better than Geno

[FidelioJet]

This offense really has a chance to be very good....If Geno can just be competent.  Nothing more.  

 

With a top 5 defense and the offensive weapons this team is going to be very tough to beat...If...

[predator_05]

no

[kelly]

He better be able to..  He's the best chance we have right now.... Fitzpatrick has been a below avg QB for years now and I doubt he's better than Geno

 

decisions...Decisions,.. if geno can make the correct decisions... cool !    

[kelly]

Position: Quarterback

Projected starter: Geno Smith

Projected reserves: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty

Notable on the bubble: Jake Heaps

 

 

Geno Smith, who threw 13 TD passes last season, will enter training camp as the starting QB. 

 

Player to watch: It's now or never for Smith. The Jets have been tremendously patient with their inconsistent quarterback -- some might argue too patient -- but they believe he has enough arm talent to warrant another chance to become the team's long-term answer. Their hope is that a new voice (Chan Gailey) and a new system will bring out the best in him. Gailey's offense involves short drop-backs and quick reads. In theory, that should help Smith deliver the ball quickly and to open receivers. We'll see.

 

Top storyline: The competition -- or is it a non-competition? The coaching staff sent mixed messages throughout the offseason, raising questions about whether Gailey and coach Todd Bowles are on the same page. Here's the deal: Smith will go into camp as the No. 1, working with the first team for a majority of the practice reps. It's his job to lose and Fitzpatrick's job to take, according to Bowles. Realistically, it's hard for a backup to take the job when he's getting only a handful of first-team reps per day. Barring an injury or an utter meltdown in the preseason, Smith will be the Week 1 starter. Personally, I think Bowles is making a mistake by not having a truly open competition. For the second straight year, it's tilted in Smith's favor.

 

Training camp will be a success if ...: The preseason is wrapping up and Bowles isn't getting grilled about his plans for Week 1. That would mean a clear-cut starter, presumably Smith. If there's uncertainty, it could spark a quarterback controversy. Then again, the Jets should be used to them by now.

 

Wild card: Petty. Everybody loves the new guy, right? Fitzpatrick is new, too, but it's hard to get excited about a guy with his sixth team. Petty is an unknown and, after decades of mostly mediocre quarterback play, the fan base is intrigued by mystery men. Who can blame them? You can bet fans will be screaming for Petty if he lights up a preseason game and Smith struggles. Relax, folks, this will take time. Talent evaluators are all over the map on Petty, a fourth-round pick. The Jets love the kid, but I heard there were teams that had him with a seventh-round grade. He has enough arm talent, but this will be like Quarterbacking 101 as he attempts to learn a pro-style offense after years in Baylor's up-tempo spread.

 

By the numbers: The last time the Jets had a top-10 passing offense was 2000. That year, they finished sixth with Vinny Testaverde as the quarterback, Al Groh the coach.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51963/qb-preview-another-year-another-competition-tilted-in-geno-smiths-favor

[kelly]

A year ago, Geno Smith finished dead last in ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando's first annual quarterback rankings, based on the opinions of coaches and talent evaluators. When I asked Smith about the survey in training camp, he replied with this rather startling comment :

 

Geno Smith is still the worst starting quarterback in the NFL, according to league insiders. "The thing about it is, you have to climb up. If I'm No. 32, by this time next year or the year after, I expect to be in the top 5."Well, it's next year, and the New York Jets' quarterback still has a ways to go.

 

In Sando's new rankings, in which he solicited the opinions of 35 league insiders, Smith placed 32nd. Again. Tough crowd.Frankly, I'm not sure if Smith is 32nd or 28th or 26th; does it really matter? The point is, he's in the lower tier, and that has to change if the Jets hope to accomplish anything in 2015. One of the anonymous quotes in Sando's story is particularly insightful. One of the unnamed coaches blames some of Smith's struggles on the offensive system (see: Marty Mornhinweg), saying it was far too complicated for Smith. Another offensive coach says the Jets "ran every play in the history of football."

 

I agree. Smith was a bad fit for a West Coast offense, particularly Mornhinweg's version. His successor, Chan Gailey, hopes to change that by employing a quick/easy-read system that, in theory, should allow Smith to make fast decisions and deliver the ball on time. Basically, the plan is to "clean up his reads," as they like to say in the business.Smith "cannot process fast enough," according to another unnamed coach. "He is not a natural guy, sliding in the pocket and knowing when to run it." Those comments are fair, but what we don't know is how much the old system contributed to that. We'll find out in the coming months.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/52332/espn-survey-jets-signal-caller-geno-smith-ranks-last-among-qbs

[Flushing Roots]

If he can and I hope he will, it will be the biggest surprise since Bruce Jenner becoming a broad.

[kelly]

ESPN analyst and former Jets offensive lineman Damien Woody explains why this could be Geno Smith’s year and just how devastating Gang Green’s defense could be with The Post’s Justin Terranova.

 

Q: How does this Jets defense compare to the ones you played alongside and were making AFC Championship games with?

A: On paper, I don’t think it’s even close. I can look at all three phases of the defense — you have to say this defense is better than the one in ’09 when it was No. 1 in the league in pretty much every category. It’s better at all three levels. You have to go out there and do it, but this defense has a chance to be special. The defensive front and secondary can be among the best in the league, and the linebacking corps is going to be solid.

 

Q: Are you surprised the Jets gave Geno Smith a huge edge in the QB battle before training camp ?

A: The coaching staff has experience with Ryan Fitzpatrick and knows what they are getting with him. But they want to give Geno every shot in the world for him to be that quarterback. And Chan Gailey has coached a lot of different quarterbacks who do a lot of different things. … But it’s not going to be one of those cases where they are going to wait all season, especially with the roster they put together.

 

Q: Are you a Geno Smith guy ?

A: I am, and I know a lot of people will say I am crazy because he’s very inconsistent. It comes down to Geno and knowing that, first and foremost, his responsibility is to take care of the football. That has to be No. 1, and if he’s able to do that, he definitely has the tools to be a good quarterback.

 

Q: What is the key for Todd Bowles in his first training camp ?

A: What do you want your culture to be? What do you want to represent? What should everyone around the league know about the New York Jets? You have to establish the groundwork. This is the time where you get hardened for the season. It’s time for big boy football.

 

Q: Will Rex Ryan turn the Bills around ?

A: There’s a lot of energy in Buffalo; they made a lot of changes. But the AFC East as a whole is going to be more competitive than I’ve seen in a long time. New England is going to be the team to beat, but the other three teams have gotten better. Buffalo will definitely vie for a playoff spot. They’ve got a lot of weapons in [LeSean] McCoy, [Percy] Harvin, but again it comes down to quarterback play. What can they get out of that position? If they can get halfway decent play out of the quarterback, not too many teams will want to play the Buffalo Bills.

 

>   http://nypost.com/2015/07/31/ex-jets-lineman-reveals-formula-geno-needs-to-be-successful/

[kelly]

–- Through the first four days of New York Jets training camp, Geno Smith has had a solid camp and has yet to throw an interception.Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t thrown a pick yet either.But so far, the Jets’ quarterback competition is lopsided in one department -- Smith has gotten the reps with the first team with Fitzpatrick working mostly with the second team.

Fitzpatrick, though, expressed belief in head coach Todd Bowles that there will be a fair competition until the first-year coach names his starting quarterback.“The thing we stress every day and Coach Bowles stresses is he going to put the best guys on the field to help the team win,” Fitzpatrick said when asked if thinks he will get a fair shake in the competition. “That is what we are all here for, to win football games.“Todd was hired as a head coach for a reason and we all really respect him what he did in his career as a player and what he has done so far as a coach. He really treats us like men.”

 

The prevailing feeling is that it is Smith’s job to lose with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey saying in May that the competition really isn't one. Still, Bowles has maintained that Smith is the starter in camp but has to earn the job.So far, Smith has had some nice moments in camp practices. Fitzpatrick, who was acquired in a trade during the offseason, has shown some of the veteran qualities that have allowed the seventh-round pick in 2005 to remain in the NFL for 11 seasons. The former Harvard quarterback has spent his career overcoming odds and labels.“Noodle arm, can’t throw it past 20 yards, can’t throw the deep ball, slow, too risky,” Fitzpatrick rattled off among the criticisms he has heard. “I think that is usually the scouting report on me.”Fitzpatrick, though, also comes to the Jets with one major asset on his side -- his familiarity with Gailey’s system and terminology.Gailey, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, was the head coach in Buffalo from 2010-12. Fitzpatrick was with the Bills from 2009-12.So despite the fact that Fitzpatrick is returning from a broken leg suffered last December, Bowles says Fitzpatrick is where he needs to be in this competition.“He’s up to speed,” Bowles said of Fitzpatrick, who threw for 2,483 yards and 17 touchdowns last season in Houston. “He has had a lot more intel on the offense than everybody else has had but being injured you got to play [and show it on the field] but he is up to speed.”

 

Fitzpatrick said he is 100 percent full-go with his health and that he is running on the field without thinking about his leg. He also shouldn’t have to think too much when it comes to knowing what Gailey wants and expects.Fitzpatrick said it took him about a day to forget about the last two offensive systems he played in Houston and Tennessee and recall what he had in Buffalo. With Gailey, Fitzpatrick threw for an average of 3400 yards, 24 touchdowns and 18 interceptions a season in Buffalo.“Fitz is a good veteran quarterback, efficient, knows where to go with the ball, gets the ball out of his hands quick,” said linebacker Calvin Pace, who has faced Fitzpatrick in a few AFC East battles. “He was always a guy that I think our defense respected. A competitor, tough guy. I think he will make us better and help Geno a lot.”

 

For now, Fitzpatrick tries to show what he can do with every throw he makes even if he isn’t throwing with the first team the majority of the time like Smith so far."It means a lot to me," Fitzpatrick said of winning the starting job. "That is why I am still playing. I am a competitor. I got five kids and a lot of other stuff going around but this is what I really love to do."“I just go out there and play as hard as I can,” he added. “… I am really going to be here putting in 100 percent into this and that is why I sleep easy at night because I put everything I have into it.”

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/52641/ryan-fitzpatrick-looking-to-beat-the-odds-again-and-win-jets-job

[kelly]

This is a different Geno Smith. A less defensive Geno Smith. A Geno Smith oblivious to the naysayers. A Geno Smith who never has stopped believing in Geno Smith.

 

Maybe it means nothing. Maybe he will, at some point, surrender his dream job to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Maybe it will mean everything.He glad-hands media members who have chronicled his failings, the 41 turnovers his first two seasons on the field, the cursing of the fan walking off the field, the missed team meeting the night before the Chargers game.I tell him he seems different, and ask him what the right word is to use about him.“Confident,” Smith said.I remind him that he was confident last summer.“Yeah,” he said, “but it’s a different kind of confidence.”

 

Based on what ?

 

“Just ultimate faith, man, just having trust and the knowledge and understanding that if I put the work in that success will come,” Smith said.He thought success would come sooner, and because it hasn’t, this is his last chance with the Jets. As one poll’s 32nd-ranked QB, It is laughable right now recalling his vow that he would be a top-five quarterback.“Eventually,” he told The Post. “I know you guys want to say, ‘Oh yeah, tomorrow.’ Eventually.”I tell him this organization is not going to wait for eventually.

 

“Yeah of course, of course,” Smith said.He has a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator and a new weapon in Brandon Marshall.It’s put-up-or-shut-up, and he knows it.Give him a chance to put up.“There’s a maturation process that I don’t think people respect these days,” Smith said. “I came in this league as a 21-year-old man. Now I’m a 24-year-old … older man. So I’ll have a better understanding of what’s required of me, and I think that gives me the confidence.”I remind him of his growing pains a year ago under the New York microscope, and he says :  “I’ll give you a good analogy, man: The hardest steel was created in the hottest of fires, and so I’ve been in the hottest of fires, and I think it’s made me a better person and a better player.”

 

The Jets’ season only depends on it.

 

As for his one of his high-profile teammates, Smith knows exactly why general manager Mike Maccagnan knows it is about time to sign Muhammad Wilkerson to a long-term deal. Smith knows what the organization should love about Wilkerson.“Everything,” Smith said. “Leadership … hard-working guy … never gets in trouble … what’s not to love about the guy? He’s a hell of a player on the field, gives it his all. I can’t say enough about him.”It doesn’t mean caving in to Team Wilkerson’s demands. It simply means figuring out, finally, that elusive common ground that has tested Wilkerson’s patience for over a year. It means listening to the fan who shouted over Saturday at Maccagnan : “Sign Mo long-term!”Wilkerson was the quintessential Rex Ryan Jet.Unlike Sheldon Richardson, he is the quintessential Todd Bowles Jet as well.It shouldn’t be too much to ask our twenty-something millionaire sports stars to behave responsibly once they leave the arena, but for some incomprehensible reason, some cannot resist the urge to recklessly light off firecrackers or audition for the Indy 500 in a race car reeking of marijuana and keeping it a deep, dark secret.

 

Wilkerson hadn’t caused a sleepless night for anyone in the Jets organization, only for quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. Bowles can look down his roster and easily identify his idea of a football player: Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Damon Harrison and Mo Wilkerson.As for Smith, many Jets fans want him to be the answer.Saturday, Smith completed a long bomb down the left sideline to Chris Owusu, and the gallery erupted in cheers. They even changed his name at practice.“It makes no difference to me, honestly, man,” Smith said. “I’ve been playing football my entire life. I know the ups and downs of it.”There have been too many downs. Let’s see if he can come out of the hottest of fires unscathed, with some ups.

 

>    http://nypost.com/2015/08/02/why-geno-smith-is-so-convinced-this-year-will-be-different-for-him/

[sackdance]

This is a different Geno Smith. A less defensive Geno Smith. A Geno Smith oblivious to the naysayers. A Geno Smith who never has stopped believing in Geno Smith.

 

 

New this year: an enhanced Geno Smith so fully engrossed in Geno Smithiness that he won't have time for haters ...or team meetings.