Jets turn to Geno Smith to start at quarterback vs. Ravens

Jets coach Todd Bowles announced that Smith will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has compiled an 11-11 record as the Jets’ starter over two seasons. I know he has the talent.

It’s a decision the Jets never imagined they’d have to make at this juncture. After a lengthy negotiation battle, Fitzpatrick re-signed with NY on a one-year deal.

“It’s not one thing”, Gailey said. “I guess I was the change”. I want to win so badly, deep inside of me. Count on it. The Jets (1-5) have four games before the bye week, which would be an opportune time to make the switch.

Smith will start Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, his first start since December 28, 2014. “They hadn’t been doing a lot of motion and then they go right over the top”. Backup Ryan Mallett would start if Flacco can not.

“I think we needed a change on offense”, Bowles said.

Smith worked with the starters during Fitzpatrick’s contract dispute in the offseason, but he went back to bench when Fitzpatrick signed.

“I’m going to be ready whenever my number is called”, Smith said. “It’s been awesome to see this guy grow and really, you know, punch adversity in the face”. He improved his touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2014 and ended up going 219/367 for 2,525 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. It would be hard to play much worse than Fitzpatrick has played. It’s never a good time for your starter to have a slump, but the timing of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s drought was terrible. Injuries can happen and a demotion can occur faster than a NY minute as frustration continues to build. It’s also putting up the league’s lowest points per game at 15.8. West has emerged as Baltimore’s top back, rushing for 208 yards on 32 carries in the past two games. He’s only concerned now with getting Smith up to speed and having him help solve the woes that have plagued the Jets’ offense. He needs to practice a good bit and get some reps.

NEW CREW: In Smith’s previous start for the Jets in the 2014 regular-season finale at Miami, a 37-24 win, he completed 20 of 25 passes for a career-high 358 yards and a flawless 158.3 passer rating.

According to Marshall, Smith does just fine on the football field; it’s the off-the-field stuff that hurts him. He was intercepted by Tyrann Mathieu on the next play, the Jets’ final offensive possession.

In six games, Fitzpatrick thrown 5 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Smith completed 4-of-6 passes with a lost fumble in mop-up duty in Arizona.

Smith will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, so this could be a good opportunity to improve his stock before he hits the open market. However, the Jets head coach explained the incumbent starter earned a long leash due to his exceptional play during the previous season. At least, for now.

The second-year head coach said he “revisited” the idea of which player should start after his postgame comments.

“I’ll be excited to see those guys play”, Harbaugh said of the inexperienced trio of LBs. He finished the night 4/6 for 31 passing yards and an interception.