Jets OC Chan Gailey says Geno Smith is team’s starting QB
When the New York Jets acquired Ryan Fitzpatrick from the Houston Texans, many thought he would compete with Geno Smith for the team’s starting role at quarterback.
According to offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, that won’t be the case.
Gailey said Wednesday that Smith will “probably” be the team’s starter in Week 1 and there won’t be a competition with Fitzpatrick (Gailey’s former QB in Buffalo) when training camp rolls around. In fact, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post, Gailey said “it wasn’t a thought” to have the two compete. It’s Smith’s job.
“He can make every throw in the book,” Gailey said.
Smith, a second-round pick in 2013, is 11-18 in 29 career starts over the past two seasons. Inconsistent play cost him the starting role for part of the 2014 season, but he regained the role in Week 13 and showed some improvement down the stretch.
Smith has more playmakers than ever to spread the ball around to in 2015. The Jets brought in veteran Brandon Marshall (61 catches, 721 yards, 8 TDs) via trade from the Chicago Bears and drafted Ohio State product Devin Smith, a deep-play threat, in the second round. Additionally, the Jets return Eric Decker (74 catches, 962 yards, 5 TDs) and talented young tight end Jace Amaro (38 catches, 345 yards, 2 TDs).
Overall, Smith threw for 2,525 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while completing 59.7 percent of his passes last season. He played his best game of the year in the season finale, completing 20-of-25 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns in a road win over the Miami Dolphins.
Gailey, alongside new head coach Todd Bowles, hopes that precision carries over to the 2015 season.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
