I recognize that fitz has a lot of good qualities as a QB and I understand why he is starting currently so i don't really want to start a fitz vs geno debate as there is a giant thread about that already. But from my observation as well as others comments I have read, it seems that its more or less a conclusion that fitz throws a poor deep ball and that is kind of Devins smiths trademark. I envisioned him as kind of a Torrey smith type player when he was in Baltimore but I dont think Torrey smith would be super effective if he didn't have an arm like Flacco who could air it out. With fitz at the helm im not sure if Devin will reach his potential and I hope that doesnt stunt his growth so to speak as it seems like he is getting open deep a decent amount and fitz IS recognizing that and trying to get him the ball, but he just cant lead him properly when he is that far down field. thoughts?
The thing is that Fitz isn't just missing Smith on deep balls, he's missing him on everything. I really don't see how it can even be an issue of not having enough practice because there have been times where Devin is just sitting down in a zone and Fitz completely air mails the ball. I think we're due for some mean reversion here because his ball placement in the short to intermediate range has been great to other receivers. I think it's been pure coincidence that he keeps missing Smith.
I hope you are right, by that theory it should just fix it self and DSmith will have a huge touchdown bomb on sunday
Fitz won't be the starting QB by the time Smith should truly reach his full potential around year 3 or 4.
fitz will likely be long gone by the time smith ever reaches his potential, assuming he ever does. they're both clearly not on the same page right now but I tend to lean towards the rookie receiver who came in with route running as a red flag and missed all of preseason being a bigger part of the issue at the moment. Fitz is of course not without fault.
Fitz won't be our starting QB next year, and Smith is likely to take until year 3 or 4 to peak. It's good that he's out there at least.
I find it disturbing that for years us Jets fans have pounded the table begging for a competent QB. We get one and now everyone wants to poo poo him and scoff because the guy whos rehabbed all off season and prepped as the backup isn't making all the throws?.. To the point about Smith. I've seen Fitz miss him for sure, but I've not seen him create hardly any separation or blow past anyone for a guy that's supposed to have elite speed *shrug*.
We aren't going to see 60 yd bombs to smith from fitz which sucks but I don't know why we don't have few screens a game for smith to utilize his speed? Can anyone explain or know why?
60 yard bombs are nice but what about after we cross the 40 yard line, or even in the redzone? a simple 20 yard strike (like we've seen to Decker in the back of the endzone) would be great. Not every pass has to be 60 yards. Devin HAS to learn to run clean routes. They should bunk him with Kerely, maybe he'd learn a thing or two about getting open some way other than winning a 60 yard foot race.
Yes, its not just deep passes but I don't think its pure coincidence. Smith is a problem out there. (I mean in comparison of course) Fitz throws shit passes up for grabs to Marshall and Decker and they find a way to get to the ball or at least compete for it. No doubt in my mind that "deep" pass to start the game in London would've been an INT if it was thrown to Smith instead of Marshall. That's not to excuse Fitzpatrick for throwing up that crap but at the same time Smith doesn't go after anything unless its right at him. I'm not saying Smith sucks or is a lost cause or anything, I just think he has a lot to learn which is okay because he's a rookie. In the meantime though I think he needs to take less snaps in favor of Kerley. Its ridiculous how much more professional Kerley looked in his only significant action. If we were 1-4 instead of 3-1 I'd have no problems throwing Smith to the wolves but as is there is a real opportunity in the standings and sitting a quality veteran in favor of a raw rookie at this point only hurts the team
I think your point is well taken, and I agree. I'm not exonerating Fitz for his obvious mistakes. Yet, from all the game play I've seen the disconnect leans in favor of Smith playing like a rookie.
So far I think Devin Smith has looked a bit like a pussy. Not a physical receiver, not a player who fights for the ball. Totally lost on some routes, not looking back for the football. I know he is a rookie, but so far not impressed.
