When Todd Bowles was at the helm of the New York Jets, he witnessed firsthand the challenges Geno Smith faced as a quarterback and leader. It was 2015, and Smith's tenure as the Jets' starter was unraveling. A notorious locker room incident saw Smith sidelined with a broken jaw after a punch from teammate IK Enemkpali over an alleged $600 debt, paving the way for Ryan Fitzpatrick to step in.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and the narrative around Geno Smith has taken a remarkable turn. After his last start with the Jets in Week 7 of the 2016 season ended with an ACL tear, Smith's career seemed uncertain. However, his journey since then has been nothing short of a comeback story, culminating in a return to the Jets via a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Bowles, now speaking at league meetings in Arizona, expressed optimism about Smith's return to New York. He pointed out how quarterbacks often find new life with a change of scenery, citing examples like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Bowles believes Geno could be next in line for a resurgence.
Smith's revival began in Seattle, where he stepped in for Russell Wilson and posted a respectable 28-24 record as a starter. With a 68.5% completion rate and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 76 to 36, Smith proved he still had the chops to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Las Vegas, however, was a different story. Smith struggled, winning only two starts and facing multiple benchings amidst offensive woes.
Yet, as NFL Network's Brian Baldinger noted on the Jets’ Official Podcast, the issues weren’t solely on Smith. The Raiders' offensive line was in shambles, losing key players and leaving Smith without much support.
Despite the challenges, Smith's demeanor remained steady-a testament to his growth and resilience. Bowles highlighted this maturity, emphasizing how Smith's experience in the league has shaped him into a professional who can handle adversity.
Reflecting on Smith's evolution, Bowles, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, acknowledged that while he hasn't been closely involved with Smith since their time together, he's heard of Smith's development into a more mature and savvy player. As Smith embarks on his second stint with the Jets, there's a sense of anticipation about what this new chapter might hold for both him and the franchise.