FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Ignoring public outcry to make a quarterback switch, New York Jets coach Todd Bowles has remained steadfastly committed to the embattled Ryan Fitzpatrick.
On Thursday, Bowles bristled when asked repeated questions about why he won't give Bryce Petty a chance to start.
"For me to make a quarterback change, I'd have to have a quarterback controversy," Bowles said.
With his jaw clenched, he added, "Ryan is the starter, Bryce is the backup."
In other words, there's no controversy in his mind.
The Jets (3-6) are out of contention, and Fitzpatrick leads the NFL with 13 interceptions. Playing on a one-year contract, Fitzpatrick is considered a lame duck, so it seemingly makes sense to evaluate Petty, a fourth-round pick in 2015.
Much to the chagrin of the fan base, Bowles has maintained that Fitzpatrick still gives the Jets the best chance to win.
"Because Fitzpatrick is not the only one playing over there," said Bowles, explaining why he's sticking with him. "This is a team game. We lose games with more than just Fitzpatrick. ... So, when you look at the film and you see mistakes made, it's across the board. It's not just Fitz.
"If I felt there were enough mistakes where I could put somebody else in there right now, I would put them in there."
Bowles benched Fitzpatrick last month, but it was short-lived as Geno Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury. He underwent surgery this week to repair a torn ACL.
Fitzpatrick's status this week is somewhat uncertain because of a mild knee sprain, suffered last Sunday. He has practiced the last two days, albeit on a limited basis. He said he's "definitely optimistic" about his chances of starting Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (3-5).
Bowles said Fitzpatrick is "getting better," but he stopped short of declaring him fit to start.
On Thursday, Bowles bristled when asked repeated questions about why he won't give Bryce Petty a chance to start.
"For me to make a quarterback change, I'd have to have a quarterback controversy," Bowles said.
With his jaw clenched, he added, "Ryan is the starter, Bryce is the backup."
In other words, there's no controversy in his mind.
The Jets (3-6) are out of contention, and Fitzpatrick leads the NFL with 13 interceptions. Playing on a one-year contract, Fitzpatrick is considered a lame duck, so it seemingly makes sense to evaluate Petty, a fourth-round pick in 2015.
Much to the chagrin of the fan base, Bowles has maintained that Fitzpatrick still gives the Jets the best chance to win.
"Because Fitzpatrick is not the only one playing over there," said Bowles, explaining why he's sticking with him. "This is a team game. We lose games with more than just Fitzpatrick. ... So, when you look at the film and you see mistakes made, it's across the board. It's not just Fitz.
"If I felt there were enough mistakes where I could put somebody else in there right now, I would put them in there."
Bowles benched Fitzpatrick last month, but it was short-lived as Geno Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury. He underwent surgery this week to repair a torn ACL.
Fitzpatrick's status this week is somewhat uncertain because of a mild knee sprain, suffered last Sunday. He has practiced the last two days, albeit on a limited basis. He said he's "definitely optimistic" about his chances of starting Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (3-5).
Bowles said Fitzpatrick is "getting better," but he stopped short of declaring him fit to start.
