The New York Jets spent the offseason addressing a few of their most pressing needs. Talent has been added to the entire roster. Competition has increased for key positions, and there is a growing sense that the organization is moving in the right direction.
The journey back to consistent winning football, however, still revolves around one area: the quarterback. That should not be alarming. This is the most important position in sports. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the positions where the Jets have a lot of questions.
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New York is putting its faith in Geno Smith. This veteran is returning to the organization he wrote for more than ten years ago. He brings experience, leadership, and a renewed opportunity to prove that he can guide the franchise back to contention.
There is reason for hope. Smith will be surrounded by a lot of supporting cast in the backfield that he would be happy to trade for. The Jets have invested heavily in developing the talent around him, and offensive coordinator Frank Reich has built a reputation for helping quarterbacks succeed.
The Jets’ offense continues
Still, there is work to be done. It’s important to remember how much has changed since Smith last wore a Jets uniform. He’s not just a different player, but he’s entering a whole new offensive zone with coaches still learning how to develop his skills. That process is ongoing.
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Recently, Jets quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave offered insight into how the coaching staff is approaching Smith’s development within the offense. Thanks to Eric Allen, the official team’s senior website reporter, for the quote.
“Think the mechanics are what they are, especially with Geno at his age, with a lot of QBs, they just show up to be where they are mechanically. We can work on footwork all day, and that’s good because we want to be on time, and sometimes even early, with a lot of our throws. So, footwork is always in front of us, except what we think about the players before what we think about what we think. plays, and what Geno does well, we want to be able to put together our plan, which Frank does it to a great degree, combining concepts to match Geno’s abilities.
Musgrave’s comments reveal a common philosophy among successful NFL offenses. Rather than forcing players into a rigid system, the best coaches often adjust their schemes to emphasize their individual strengths. That’s exactly what Reich and company seem to be doing with Smith.
The veteran is coming off a disappointing season, but the Jets aren’t focused on what’s going on elsewhere. Their focus is on figuring out what Smith does best and building an offense that allows those traits to flourish.
Training camp should provide a clear picture of what that offense looks like in the end. Until then, the Jets seem committed to a simple but effective approach: building around the quarterback, not the other way around.
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This article first appeared on Jets Wire: Stitching up the Jets’ offense for Geno Smith remains a work in progress.
