Bowles Unafraid To Make QB Switch if Smith Struggles

[flgreen]

New Jets Todd Bowles coach unafraid to make quarterback switch if Geno Smith struggles
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Tuesday, July 28, 2015, 12:00 PM A A A


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ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
New Jets head coach Todd Bowles will keep a close eye on Geno Smith this season.
Todd Bowles wants to shake some sense into you.

His voice comes to life when asked whether the playoffs are a legitimate destination this year for a franchise that has spent the past four Januaries at the kids' table, watching the NFL's big boys compete for the ultimate prize.

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Will the rookie head coach tell his players when they report for the start of training camp Wednesday that the Jets, coming off a nightmarish four-win season that prompted a radical front office, coaching and roster reconstruction, have a realistic chance to make the postseason in 2015?

"Yes!" Bowles told the Daily News, raising his decibel level to a relatively high six on a 10-point scale. "You'd be crazy not to! To go in and say we want to go 8-8, I mean, that coach would be fired on the spot. That's not my job to go 8-8. My job is to go try to win a championship for this team and this city. And that's what I'm going to do."


With Jake Heaps (3), Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) and Bryce Petty on the roster, Geno Smith could be looking over his shoulder if he struggles in 2015.

On the surface, doubling the win total from a disastrous 2014 season seems like a fair goal, but look closer. The Jets are a blend of ascending stars (Mo Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson), established veterans (Brandon Marshall, Nick Mangold, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Antonio Cromartie) and comic book superheroes (Darrelle Revis).

This should not be a pressure-free rebuilding season.

"I'm not going in to be 8-8," Bowles said. "Regardless of whether you have pieces or not, my job is to get us to the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. And 8-8 would not be satisfactory for me."

Bowles has already put his imprint on the star-crossed franchise with a matter-of-fact disposition that is seeping into the team's collective psyche. The catchy slogans and mottos that had been plastered on the walls ("Play Like A Jet") are gone, replaced by lots of green and white paint.


Bowles isn't Broadway. He isn't even off-Broadway.

"Sometimes," Bowles said with a laugh, "Boring is a good thing."

New general manager Mike Maccagnan grabbed the headlines like a Kardashian during his free agency shopping spree, supplying his coach with far more fire power than his predecessor in an increasingly difficult AFC East. Bowles' desire to snap the Jets' four-year playoff drought hasn't interfered with his core principles. Players, he insisted, should view everything through a 24-hour lens. Win the day and the big picture will slowly come into focus.

"To say right now that we're going to be in the Super Bowl in February and not care about all the things that we have to take care of is kind of ludicrous," Bowles said.

Todd Bowles knows that the Jets’ offseason spending spree has increased the expectations for a team that won just four games last season.
JULIO CORTEZ/AP
Todd Bowles knows that the Jets’ offseason spending spree has increased the expectations for a team that won just four games last season.
There are plenty of variables to success, but it's not an oversimplification to suggest that Geno Smith will be the biggest factor. Bowles' defense is a known commodity. His quarterback is far from it.

Smith will be the Week 1 starter barring injury or a catastrophic flop in the preseason, but Bowles made it clear that the third-year quarterback doesn't have a season-long appointment.

"If you feel that his position or any other position is hurting the team, as a head coach, it's up to you to do something about it," Bowles said. "It's not a year-long thing for anybody. You earn your keep by the week. You earn your keep by the day. … If somebody is not doing their job, it's up to me to rectify the situation."

Bowles admitted that the Jets are looking into joining the league's growing virtual reality movement to aid Smith and others. The Buccaneers adopted the technology to help rookie signal caller Jameis Winston. Bowles & Co. are examining various companies offering the software to decide whether it would be beneficial for their quarterbacks.

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ROBERT SABO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
The Jets have a proven defense, but quarterback Geno Smith still needs to show he can play up to that group’s level.
Smith might be learning a new system under offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, but that won't preclude the rookie head coach from pulling the plug early if the signal caller gets off to a rough start.

"A bad two or three weeks is relative," Bowles said. "Whether it's mental, whether it's confidence or whether it's physical. … All those things have to be (considered) and be determined. If you see progress among the mistakes, that's one thing. If you don't see any progress and you see a spiraling for any position, then it's your job to make a move. ... I'm always fair."

It's possible that Smith won't make it past September as the starter.

"It all depends on how he's not performing, whether it's the first game, second game, third game," Bowles said. "Is it consecutive? Is it just a bad game? All those factors play into it. Again, it's not just the quarterback. It's every position on our team. … Everybody has to do their job. The quarterback is an important part of it, but he's part of the team. And he's treated like everybody else is treated."

Bowles was relatively pleased with Smith during the offseason in the face of what is expected to be one of the league's most formidable defenses, but there's a bottom-line quality to the coach that engenders respect.

He'll make a change at quarterback — quickly — if it's warranted.

There's too much at stake not to.

 

[BigDan]

"To say right now that we're going to be in the Super Bowl in February and not care about all the things that we have to take care of is kind of ludicrous," Bowles said.

An unintended reference to the prior guy, I'm sure. But it sure is a welcome change...

 

[flgreen]

"To say right now that we're going to be in the Super Bowl in February and not care about all the things that we have to take care of is kind of ludicrous," Bowles said.

An unintended reference to the prior guy, I'm sure. But it sure is a welcome change...

I don't think he was calling Rex out, I just don't think he's the type guy that would take a cheap shot. You did say unintended.

 

[jetgreen13]

even smith's biggest supporters here (at least I believe) understand he's not starting past week four playing poorly..

again, like flgreen pointed out a couple of weeks ago, smith's first instinct is to panic in the pocket when the lights get bright..

how do you fix that?? I don't think you can..

 

[BlindsideD'Brick]

even smith's biggest supporters here (at least I believe) understand he's not starting past week four playing poorly..

again, like flgreen pointed out a couple of weeks ago, smith's first instinct is to panic in the pocket when the lights get bright..

how do you fix that?? I don't think you can..

I believe you can fix that. It's called maturity and experience. Now, I'm not predicting anything regarding Geno because I don't have a crystal ball. I could just as easily see Geno Smith have a breakout season as I can see him getting benched by week four. I hope he does well because I'm a Jets fan, not because I'm a "Geno supporter" or "apologist".

 

[Old#15]

The article flashed an interesting tidbit, the mention of possibly joining the virtual reality movement. Not long ago I was listening to NFL on Sirius where a guest was describing his company that has a virtual reality product specifically designed for QBs. It is able to simulate plays, coverage, pressure, etc. Teams can load their playbook, opponents tendencies, etc., and the QB can prepare in the comfort of his home. Seems like a great tool that accelerates QB mental growth. I hope this is what the article is referring to.

 

[Elias]

The article flashed an interesting tidbit, the mention of possibly joining the virtual reality movement. Not long ago I was listening to NFL on Sirius where a guest was describing his company that has a virtual reality product specifically designed for QBs. It is able to simulate plays, coverage, pressure, etc. Teams can load their playbook, opponents tendencies, etc., and the QB can prepare in the comfort of his home. Seems like a great tool that accelerates QB mental growth. I hope this is what the article is referring to.

You're probably talking about this. http://jetsfansunited.com/forum/showthread.php/2248-Welcome-to-Football-s-QB-Revolution?highlight=Revolution

Great article. Talks about that program in much detail.

 

[jetgreen13]

I believe you can fix that. It's called maturity and experience. Now, I'm not predicting anything regarding Geno because I don't have a crystal ball. I could just as easily see Geno Smith have a breakout season as I can see him getting benched by week four. I hope he does well because I'm a Jets fan, not because I'm a "Geno supporter" or "apologist".

if smith plays well & learns how not to panic in the pocket he keeps his job.. if he plays poorly he'll get benched.. I can work with either scenario.. what could be a mess is if smith shows just enough improvement/flashes & bolwes can't figure out what the hell to do with him..

 

[flgreen]

I believe you can fix that. It's called maturity and experience. Now, I'm not predicting anything regarding Geno because I don't have a crystal ball. I could just as easily see Geno Smith have a breakout season as I can see him getting benched by week four. I hope he does well because I'm a Jets fan, not because I'm a "Geno supporter" or "apologist".

I'm not sure you can D'Brick. I watched Smith's "perfect" game against the Fish yesterday (thanks Elias) Smith did have a very good game, but there were two plays in it, that could have easily made him the goat of the game, rather then it being the "perfect" game.

First drive of the 2nd quarter with the Jets leading 7-3. Smith scrambles left, is trying to fight off a DB with his right hand. Has the ball very loosely in his left hand. Competently extends his left arm straight, with the ball in his left hand, no bend in the arm at all. As expected the ball pops out behind his back and over his head, where it is recovered by the Fish at the Jets' 20 yard line. They quickly score a TD making it a 10-7 game. Very reminiscent of his "behind the back fumble" from 2013. Thought he would have learned.

It is drummed into kids heads from midget football up, and into the NFL, A ball carrier's first concern, when making contact is, protect the ball. Gailey stressing that now isn't going to change that. That's something that just goes blank in him when in a stressful situation.

In the 4th period with the Jets leading 27-24 and the clock running down in the Jets end of the field, Smith is under slight pressure, lobs a softball, that hits Wake in the face ask. Wake didn't come up with it because he was stunned the ball was thrown there. If he had, it for sure would have been a pick 6, that more then likely would have been a gamer. Ridiculous bad throw considering the circumstance. Wake didn't hang on, which makes it a moot point. Smith came out of a meaningless game, the hero.

Yes, I understand during the course of a game poo-poo happens. it is just a minor example of why Smith is in the situation he is in. He does have skills, but when the chips are down, and the pressure is on, all his coaching goes blank on him, he hits the panic button, and does something that cost his team the game.

I'm not sure you can coach that out of someone. I think it is a part of who they are, it's just how they handle stress.

With that all said, I hope he finds a way to fight off his demons this year, and become a franchise QB. It is certainly the best option for the Jets. I just don't think it's going to happen. Think he'll play better under Gailey's dumbed down offense, but I think when against good teams, in high pressure situations, he is going to revert back to his natural instinct of self preservation, or what ever, and make the bone headed play.

We'll see. Unfortunately, apparently under this year's version of the QB competition, we won't find out until the games count.

 

[Jets31]

I think its pretty clear that this is not a rebuilding year. I dont believe there is a ton of pressure but we are a win now team. I definitely feel anything short of 8-8 would be a disappointment.

Just missing the playoffs or grabbing a wild card is realistic in my eyes.

Winning the division isnt out of the question if we can get even slightly above average QB play.

 

[Mainejet]

Thank god for Bowles having some balls. This WILL happen that Bowles needs to give Geno the Ax. I've just seen this happen way too many times to believe anything otherwise. Geno will be Geno at some point and will force Bowles hand.

Furthermore, If Bowles is the guy you guys all claim he is? Then after Geno ruins this teams chances at the postseason once again in 2015, Bowles will be done with him. MacCagnan, via Todd Bowles request will cut/trade Geno Smith.

 

[sg3]

Thank god for Bowles having some balls. This WILL happen that Bowles needs to give Geno the Ax. I've just seen this happen way too many times to believe anything otherwise. Geno will be Geno at some point and will force Bowles hand.

Furthermore, If Bowles is the guy you guys all claim he is? Then after Geno ruins this teams chances at the postseason once again in 2015, Bowles will be done with him. MacCagnan, via Todd Bowles request will cut/trade Geno Smith.

We guys are Jets fans first,.not WRECKS fans first

 

[Mainejet]

We guys are Jets fans first,.not WRECKS fans first

If you're specifically referring to Rex Ryan's loyalty to guys that clearly do not deserve loyalty? You have a point. I hated that Rex would never bring in any decent competition for Sanchez when he was the QB. I hated it even more when he didn't challenge Geno at all.

But for all of things I didn't like about Rex, I found plenty more very endearing qualities. Suffice to say, you and I will NEVER see eye to eye on this.

 

[flgreen]

I'm not sure you can D'Brick. I watched Smith's "perfect" game against the Fish yesterday (thanks Elias) Smith did have a very good game, but there were two plays in it, that could have easily made him the goat of the game, rather then it being the "perfect" game.

First drive of the 2nd quarter with the Jets leading 7-3. Smith scrambles left, is trying to fight off a DB with his right hand. Has the ball very loosely in his left hand. Competently extends his left arm straight, with the ball in his left hand, no bend in the arm at all. As expected the ball pops out behind his back and over his head, where it is recovered by the Fish at the Jets' 20 yard line. They quickly score a TD making it a 10-7 game. Very reminiscent of his "behind the back fumble" from 2013. Thought he would have learned.

It is drummed into kids heads from midget football up, and into the NFL, A ball carrier's first concern, when making contact is, protect the ball. Gailey stressing that now isn't going to change that. That's something that just goes blank in him when in a stressful situation.

In the 4th period with the Jets leading 27-24 and the clock running down in the Jets end of the field, Smith is under slight pressure, lobs a softball, that hits Wake in the face ask. Wake didn't come up with it because he was stunned the ball was thrown there. If he had, it for sure would have been a pick 6, that more then likely would have been a gamer. Ridiculous bad throw considering the circumstance. Wake didn't hang on, which makes it a moot point. Smith came out of a meaningless game, the hero.

Yes, I understand during the course of a game poo-poo happens. it is just a minor example of why Smith is in the situation he is in. He does have skills, but when the chips are down, and the pressure is on, all his coaching goes blank on him, he hits the panic button, and does something that cost his team the game.

I'm not sure you can coach that out of someone. I think it is a part of who they are, it's just how they handle stress.

With that all said, I hope he finds a way to fight off his demons this year, and become a franchise QB. It is certainly the best option for the Jets. I just don't think it's going to happen. Think he'll play better under Gailey's dumbed down offense, but I think when against good teams, in high pressure situations, he is going to revert back to his natural instinct of self preservation, or what ever, and make the bone headed play.

We'll see. Unfortunately, apparently under this year's version of the QB competition, we won't find out until the games count.

Geno Smith fumble in perfect game[video]http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000449881/Geno-Smith-loses-ball-Dolphins-recover[/video]

 

[Superman55]

The article flashed an interesting tidbit, the mention of possibly joining the virtual reality movement. Not long ago I was listening to NFL on Sirius where a guest was describing his company that has a virtual reality product specifically designed for QBs. It is able to simulate plays, coverage, pressure, etc. Teams can load their playbook, opponents tendencies, etc., and the QB can prepare in the comfort of his home. Seems like a great tool that accelerates QB mental growth. I hope this is what the article is referring to.

I was listening to that also. The guy used Harbough as an example and the technology transferring from Stanford to the 9ers and how much Harbough and his staff have used it to help develop young QBs. I think he said 4 or 6 teams in the NFL are using it now. That was a good segment.

 

[Superman55]

I also love how people post things like, "you are taught in pop warner not to do..."

You sure are, and I've still seen Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and brett Favre switch throwing hands while getting sacked and throw left handed INTs...

Those analogies of "kids learn this in pop warner so they're idiots if they do it in the NFL" should fall on def ears, hall of famers make the same dumb mistakes. Those statements should lead to readers "stopping there" when reading a post.

 

[TebowCan'tThrow]

I believe Bowles will bench Geno if this team struggles because of him. I also don't think he will wait long. He is not going to throw away this win now defense trying to develop a 3rd year QB.

 

[Elias]

I'm not sure you can D'Brick. I watched Smith's "perfect" game against the Fish yesterday (thanks Elias) Smith did have a very good game, but there were two plays in it, that could have easily made him the goat of the game, rather then it being the "perfect" game.

First drive of the 2nd quarter with the Jets leading 7-3. Smith scrambles left, is trying to fight off a DB with his right hand. Has the ball very loosely in his left hand. Competently extends his left arm straight, with the ball in his left hand, no bend in the arm at all. As expected the ball pops out behind his back and over his head, where it is recovered by the Fish at the Jets' 20 yard line. They quickly score a TD making it a 10-7 game. Very reminiscent of his "behind the back fumble" from 2013. Thought he would have learned.

It is drummed into kids heads from midget football up, and into the NFL, A ball carrier's first concern, when making contact is, protect the ball. Gailey stressing that now isn't going to change that. That's something that just goes blank in him when in a stressful situation.

In the 4th period with the Jets leading 27-24 and the clock running down in the Jets end of the field, Smith is under slight pressure, lobs a softball, that hits Wake in the face ask. Wake didn't come up with it because he was stunned the ball was thrown there. If he had, it for sure would have been a pick 6, that more then likely would have been a gamer. Ridiculous bad throw considering the circumstance. Wake didn't hang on, which makes it a moot point. Smith came out of a meaningless game, the hero.

Yes, I understand during the course of a game poo-poo happens. it is just a minor example of why Smith is in the situation he is in. He does have skills, but when the chips are down, and the pressure is on, all his coaching goes blank on him, he hits the panic button, and does something that cost his team the game.

I'm not sure you can coach that out of someone. I think it is a part of who they are, it's just how they handle stress.

With that all said, I hope he finds a way to fight off his demons this year, and become a franchise QB. It is certainly the best option for the Jets. I just don't think it's going to happen. Think he'll play better under Gailey's dumbed down offense, but I think when against good teams, in high pressure situations, he is going to revert back to his natural instinct of self preservation, or what ever, and make the bone headed play.

We'll see. Unfortunately, apparently under this year's version of the QB competition, we won't find out until the games count.

Quick question - why did geno look so good in that game? What was diff against Miami instead of the other games?

 

[Elias]

I also love how people post things like, "you are taught in pop warner not to do..."

You sure are, and I've still seen Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and brett Favre switch throwing hands while getting sacked and throw left handed INTs...

Those analogies of "kids learn this in pop warner so they're idiots if they do it in the NFL" should fall on def ears, hall of famers make the same dumb mistakes. Those statements should lead to readers "stopping there" when reading a post.

I agree somewhat. In the heat of the battle you are going to do what you think makes sense in your mind to lead your team to victory. Only thing is I bet Geno does it in worse times than those hall of Famers. Geno did the behind the back thing a few yards away from his own end zone. Whether hall of Famers do it or not, it's a bonehead move.

Second, I do think these hall of Famers have more leeway to make mistakes than someone like Geno. Until he can win us some games, these comments will only be said about Geno and not the HOF.

 

[flgreen]

Quick question - why did geno look so good in that game? What was diff against Miami instead of the other games?

Several things happened in that game. 1) Decker owned Cortland Finnegan. One of the long completions that look good in the stats was actually a jump ball, that Decker just muscled a pick away from Finnegan for a long gain. Career day for Decker. The Dolphins had won a tough overtime game the week before. Very emotional. They were still eliminated from the play offs. Their heart was gone. Lot of talk down here during the week that some Fish players had cleaned their lockers out before the Jets game.

Smith has looked good, for short stretches, in many games. If he has 5-6 seconds to stand in the pocket, he has the arm talent to get it done. Problem is, if things don't go well on a play, he gets panicky. and repeatedly does the same stupid things , week after week. It appears to be something in his make up. Yes, Manning and Rodgers make mistakes. But they don't do the same crap week after week. Smith does.

Every one that likes Smith talks about the "great last month Smith had at the end of the season. Week 17 I've already posted the mistakes he made in the "perfect game' that coulda/shoulda cost the Jets those games

Week 16 Pats.... 3rd 1/4 Jets up 13-10. Playing a real good game. Smith throws a horrible ball. Can't even call it a jump ball, right to the defender. Pats intercept, at the Jets 38. Of course they score.

Week 15 Titans.... Horrible game by two bad teams. Smith takes one of his signature bone head safety's Jets still won a really ugly game.

Week 14 Vikes....Smith opens the game up with a pick 6.

His stats look OK, he looks OK, but every game he made mistakes that could have/should have cost the Jets the game.

In Miami, the Fish didn't want to be there. Decker had a great game, Jets over came things that should have cost them the game.