New York Jets

Jets legendary QB Joe Namath has some advice for Ryan Fitzpatrick

Published Jan. 13, 2016 5:02 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Ryan Fitzpatrick had one of the best statistical seasons by a New York Jets quarterback in franchise history this season. He set the single-season record with 31 touchdown passes and was 95 yards from becoming just the second Jets quarterback to eclipse 4,000 yards passing in a single season.

He's not the league's greatest quarterback, but he was good enough to lead the Jets to 10 wins and was just one shy of a playoff berth. At the age of 33, he still has room to improve, especially in this particular area.

Via Rich Cimini of ESPN:

"He had a nice year, no doubt," Jets legend Joe Namath said on Wednesday. "Fitz, he's as wily a quarterback out there, better than most when it comes to that. If we can get his passing accuracy polished up a bit, they're going to be a contender. He needs to improve his accuracy a bit as a passer."

Sure, Fitzpatrick could certainly stand to improve his accuracy -- as most quarterbacks can. He completed 59.6 percent of his passes this season, which is well-below the "average" of 63.7 in 2015. Strangely enough, Namath completed just 50.1 percent of his passes in 12 seasons in the league, though he did play in a different era.

Fitzpatrick may not be the Jets' quarterback in 2016 as his contract is set to expire. New York would be smart to extend him as insurance if nothing else, but it remains to be seen if that's the route they choose.