Ryan Fitzpatrick: Jets owner, GM and coaches stopped believing in him

Ryan Fitzpatrick found himself in an odd position on Sunday: In a game.

In many people’s minds, getting benched prior to the Week 7 game against the Baltimore Ravens spelled the end of his run with the New York Jets. But there he was, replacing an injured Geno Smith and leading the Jets to a victory.

For his part — and maybe he was the only one — Fitzpatrick was not surprised at his performance. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 120 yards and a TD pass after coming off the bench in the 24-16 victory. Fitzpatrick threw zero interceptions, which had been the biggest issue in him getting benched.

That’s what almost every quarterback might say facing that same situation. But what was more revealing was what Fitzpatrick said later. Basically, he thought his support among the team’s higher-ups dissolved.

Pretty strong words there against team owner Woody Johnson, general manager Mike Maccagnan, head coach Todd Bowles — and perhaps other offensive coaches, too. Even if those folks didn’t stop believing in him, Fitzpatrick felt that way — otherwise he might never have been benched … or said what he said, for that matter.

His end in New York now likely gets a stay of execution, but Fitzpatrick gets a chance — yet again, as a well-traveled QB — to put up some better tape to impress his next NFL team. We have no idea how serious Smith’s knee might be, although Bowles refused to name a starter going forward.

Fitzpatrick’s candor is admirable, even if it might be too late for him to regain the confidence of the Jets’ decision makers. And yet we can’t help but think the move was self-serving and shortsighted considering how bad he was — those 11 picks didn’t throw themselves — prior to Sunday’s win.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!

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