Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Jets’ starting QB again

New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles named Ryan Fitzpatrick the starting quarterback against the New England Patriots in Week 12.

In the Jets’ 27-23 loss against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, Fitzpatrick did not play well. He threw for 193 yards to go along with a touchdown and two interceptions. While he did deliver accurate passes, like the 17-yard touchdown to Jalin Marshall, he committed two costly turnovers.

While down 17-13 in the third quarter, Fitzpatrick threw an interception to defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Fitzpatrick also suffered a knee injury at the end of the third quarter, and quarterback Bryce Petty filled in for him. He only thew for 19 yards on two pass attempts. Fitzpatrick suffered an MCL sprain but returned to the field in the fourth quarter after missing only one series.

Petty was named the starter for the Jets in their 9-3 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. He threw for a 163 yards and a touchdown but threw a game-clinching interception to linebacker Alec Ogletree.

After the defeat, Bowles did not comment on who would be the team’s starter after their bye week. “We’re still evaluating everybody because we’ve got the bye week,” he said.

The Jets have had three quarterbacks take snaps from under center. One of the quarterbacks, Geno Smith, is on IR due to a torn ACL he suffered in the Jets’ 24-16 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.

Even though he has played in fewer games than many other starting quarterbacks, Fitzpatrick still leads the NFL with 13 interceptions. New England has a high-octane offense, and Fitzpatrick cannot afford to turnover the ball.

If the Jets want to come away with an upset victory, they must keep Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on the sidelines. New York must run the ball effectively, score points, and avoid committing back-breaking mistakes.

The Jets (3-7) host the AFC East-leading Patriots (8-2) on Sunday.