In the aftermath of Geno Smith’s punch heard ’round the world, the New York Jets are scrambling to find another quarterback capable of holding down the fort.
According to Seth Walder of the New York Daily News, Matt Flynn is being strongly considered for the position.
“The Jets have discussed bringing in free-agent quarterback Matt Flynn for a visit, according to a source. The team is also exploring other veteran free-agent options in the wake of Smith’s broken jaw that is expected to sideline him for six to 10 weeks. Flynn, rehabbing for a hamstring injury, was released by the Patriots this week.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says the Jets are, in fact, bringing Flynn in for a visit on Friday, per a source.
Free agent QB Matt Flynn is working out for the #Jets today, source said. Had spent the early part of camp with the #Patriots.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2015
There aren’t many other viable free-agent options, and it’s debatable if Flynn fits into this category. That he’s the guy at the top of the list is a bad sign, especially considering he isn’t even ready to play yet while rehabbing a wonky hammy.
The Jets are truly stuck between a rock and a hard place. The other quarterback options are shudder-worthy. Is Rex Grossman the answer? Kyle Orton? Michael Vick?
Back to Flynn. His body of work isn’t inspiring, as astutely pointed out by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
Matt Flynn Week 17, 2011 vs. Lions: 6 TD, 1 INT, 136.4 rating
Matt Flynn all other games: 11 TD, 10 INT, 77.9 rating— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) August 14, 2015
Still, it does appear Flynn may be the best option for the Jets right now. Heck, even when Smith does return, there is no guarantee he’s going to be given the starting job again. Word out the locker room in the wake of his dispute with IK Enemkpali suggests his teammates aren’t impressed with his leadership or his work ethic.
In the meantime, Ryan Fitzpatrick will step in to lead the Jets on offense. He has been nothing more than mediocre in the past, and his 101 interceptions in 89 career starts is disheartening.
The Jets need someone—anyone—to step up this season to lead the offense, or the season will be lost. At this point, they are surely hoping to catch lightning in a bottle, because things don’t look pretty.