New York Jets

Todd Bowles explains why he will welcome a 'pissed off' Ryan Fitzpatrick

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:51 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

The New York Jets are trying to mend some fences with Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was benched last week in favor of Geno Smith. Well, Smith reportedly suffered a torn ACL in his abbreviated start, forcing Fitzpatrick back into action during the Jets’ 24-16 win over the Ravens on Sunday.

After the game, Fitzpatrick expressed his frustration about being benched, calling out the owner, general manager and coaches for their lack of faith in him. His frustrations appeared to hit a boiling point, saying, “I probably play better as an underdog, pissed off, and so, going forward, yeah, I’m gonna be pissed off.”

If that’s Fitzpatrick’s plan moving forward, Jets head coach Todd Bowles is all for it, under one condition.

“If pissed off is going to stop the turnovers, I’m more than happy to have him play pissed off,” Bowles told the media Monday.

Turnovers have been Fitzpatrick’s Achilles heel this season, throwing a league-high 11 interceptions to only six touchdowns. The 2-5 Jets hope Fitzpatrick will be more careful with the ball next Sunday, when they face the winless Browns.