New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass during practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
A blindside punch shook up New York Jets training camp this week, and quarterback Geno Smith caught the brunt of it. Sophomore linebacker Ik Enemkpali put a major dent into the Jets’ season plans—and Smith’s face—after a $600 locker room squabble turned heated.
Smith is expected to miss nearly three months and will be painted as the victim of a sucker punch, but his still-developing NFL career can’t afford to take another hit. In two seasons with the Jets, Smith has sputtered out a 25-34 touchdown-to-interception ratio. New York has floundered in both seasons, compiling a 12-20 overall record with Smith stirring up brutal criticism. New York had taken a few steps this offseason to ensure that Smith’s third-year would be his best, but could the latest mishaps be enough to start thinking past Smith? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley debate.
Riley: Smith’s time as a Jet was inevitably coming to an end, and this news only pushes up that deadline. Some may argue that the Jets haven’t had the weapons to make Smith shine, but it’s time to cut ties with this quarterback project. Smith has been beyond horrible on the field at times, and the fact that he has fringe players on his own roster head-hunting him over $600 is a true account of his leadership. New York has to own up to the fact that they missed on the Smith selection and begin preparing for life after Geno—If they haven’t already.
Green: Smith hasn’t been given a fair shake during his time in New York, and the Jets owe it to him to allow him to rehab and come back to play with the starting offense. Young quarterbacks simply aren’t given many chances to succeed, and while I can see New York going after another quarterback, they at least need to hold onto Smith until they find one. Smith has had some positives during his New York stint, but his production—or lack thereof—can ultimately be traced back to his supporting cast. Smith’s future might not be in New York, but I can definitely see him returning this season.
Riley: Journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has some game, and his time in Buffalo and Houston was enough to prepare him for a starting role in one of the most hostile markets. He’ll be efficient, steady and won’t turn the ball over nearly as much as Smith. Fitzpatrick chose to join a team on which he thought he’d have a chance to start. Smith was only ever going to have limited time to perform before cheers for Fitzpatrick started, and Smith’s broken jaw will simply insert the backup signal caller sooner rather than later. This wasn’t just a sucker punch by Enemkpali, it was a franchise-altering event that will usher a new starting quarterback into the Jets’ roster as early as next season.
Green: Quarterbacks don’t just grow on trees, Riley, and it isn’t like there are a group of guys tossing the pigskin around and waiting for the phone to ring so they can get onto a roster and dominate. Smith is going to have his chance to rehab and return, but it’s up to him what he does with the job. Fitzpatrick has never held a starting quarterback gig for long, and I just don’t see him holding off Smith all year. New York could struggle to avoid turning the ball over, and the arm of Fitzpatrick definitely won’t be enough to shake off major roster changes. Smith’s career in New York isn’t over, but it definitely could use some new fire. Maybe this incident will be enough to spark the third-year quarterback.