Geno Smith Replaces Ryan Fitzpatrick as Jets QB vs. Cardinals

Ryan Fitzpatrick's continued struggles have finally caused the New York Jets to make a switch at quarterback, but it was only a temporary change.

Geno Smith came into the Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter with the Jets trailing 28-3 with eight minutes, 20 seconds to go.

Fitzpatrick was 16-of-31 for 174 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception before coming out. Smith wasn't much better, ending 4-of-6 for 31 yards and an interception in his only drive.

Monday's loss dropped the Jets to 1-5 on the season.

Head coach Todd Bowles explained after the game this would not be a permanent change, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, "Fitz will be back next week."

Bowles followed by justifying Fitzpatrick's struggles, per Albert Breer of The MMQB, "Fitz is our starter. Anyone back there would've been under duress today."

Smith talked about his performance after the game (via Darryl Slater of NJ.com):

"

I feel like I'm going to be ready whenever the time is. I'm ready right now. I think I showed that when I went out there on the field [Monday]. I knew what was going on, tried to control the huddle and the offense as much as I could. It's one of those deals where, as a backup quarterback, you know it's tough, probably the toughest position in football. But you've just got to stay ready.

"

The poor play wasn't anything new for Fitzpatrick, who has hurt the team through the current four-game losing streak. Since an impressive performance in a Week 2 win over the Buffalo Bills, Fitzpatrick has two touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

He is also averaging 219.5 yards per game with just a 54.5 completion percentage (84-of-154).

New York has three younger options on the roster if the team wants to look toward the future. In addition to Smith, Bryce Petty and 2016 second-round pick Christian Hackenberg could potentially earn playing time before the year is over.

In the meantime, however, it appears Fitzpatrick will keep his job for at least another week.