Ryan Fitzpatrick Lost His Job Again, But Todd Bowles Says It Was The Plan All Along

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been benched again, this time in favor of 25-year-old former Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty. Petty, in his second season, has appeared in three games this year. Next week he’ll be the starter, which, if you believe Jets coach Todd Bowles, was the plan all along. Via NFL.com:

"“We could have won 45-0, (Bryce) was going to start the last four games,” he said, following the 41-10 loss to Indianapolis (6-6) at MetLife Stadium. “That’s the slot we had penciled for him, that’s a good time to take a look at him.”"

Yes. This was a good time to pencil him in. Right after the Jets fell to 3-9 on the season. Twelve games into the season. One game for each million the Jets fought to pay Ryan Fitzpatrick this season. The experience was something Fitzpatrick wouldn’t wish on anyone. No, not the embarrassment of losing his job twice while throwing 14 interceptions and fumbling six times in 11 games. Fitzpatrick was talking about the months-long negotiations for his $12 million salary.

Now Fitzpatrick is stuck in limbo again. Via NFL.com:

"Fitzpatrick does not know if he’ll be active this weekend when the team takes on the 49ers in San Francisco. “I don’t know (what my role is),” Fitzpatrick said. “I’ll have to ask Todd what he wants me to do.”"

So Fitzpatrick is salty and benched, Geno Smith is out for the year with an injury and Bryce Petty is starting. Wait, why wouldn’t Fitzpatrick be active? The Jets can’t play a football game with just one quarterback. Is there something we’re missing?

Holy Fireman Ed, fam. The Jets have a guy they took in the second round of this year’s draft with the 51st overall pick sitting on their bench. Raise your hand if you forgot Christian Hackenberg existed.

It doesn’t appear anyone has heard from Hackenberg since an article in October about how no one has heard from Christian Hackenberg this season. Turns out the Jets season was so lost before their 31-point loss on Monday Night Football that all the local publications again noted that Hackenberg will not play this season, but who knows what will happen over the next four games. There’s still plenty of time for Fitzpatrick to lose his job to a third backup.