A year ago, former Jets general manager John Idzik delivered one of the more surreal midseason news conferences of all-time. The address -- which included a rambling 20-minute filibuster to start -- might have been the final nail in the coffin for the overmatched Idzik from a public opinion standpoint.
On Wednesday, current general manager Mike Maccagnan avoided the mistakes of his predecessor. This is easier when your team is in the playoff race and not 1-7. One of the main topics centered around the present -- and future -- of the quarterback position.
"We're very happy what (Ryan Fitzpatrick's) done so far and what he's brought to this team, he said. "Think he's got a lot of good football left in him."
Maccagnan wouldn't say whether the team would prioritize finding a quarterback in the 2016 draft. Fitzpatrick has started every game for the Jets, with Geno Smith and rookie Bryce Petty serving as backups. Fitzpatrick, who did not practice Wednesday as he continues to recover from thumb surgery, is scheduled to be a free agent after the season.
As for Smith, Maccagnan was asked if he believed the third-year passer should be seen as a viable starting option in the future.
"The jury is still out, but not in a bad way," Maccagnan said, via ESPN.com.
Smith got far from a glowing endorsement from Maccagnan, a general manager who was not responsible for drafting the quarterback. Maccagnan was later asked if Smith still had a future in New York.
"Obviously, Geno's under contract for next year," he said, via the New York Daily News.
Bottom line: The Jets' quarterback situation remains fluid. If Fitzpatrick finishes the season strong, there is a very good chance he'll be re-signed with the opportunity to remain the starter in 2016. Bryce Petty -- a strong-armed fourth-round project -- remains something of a mystery.
Smith's job feels the least secure. It comes through both in Maccagnan's comments and on the practice field, where Fitzpatrick was participating in individual drills Wednesday and later told reporters he plans to start this weekend.
Smith appears to have lost the team's faith, and there might not be an opportunity to get it back.
