With so much optimism surrounding the organization following an active off-season that re-stocked a barren roster with the likes of Darrelle Revis<\/a>, Brandon Marshall<\/a>, Antonio Cromartie<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0Stevan Ridley<\/a><\/strong><\/span> along with first round draft pick Leonard Williams<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, JetNation.com takes a look at five reasons to keep the faith in Geno Smith with the start of the 2015 season being just over three months away.<\/p>\n 1) Chan Gailey<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Arguably Bowles’ most important hire, offensive coordinator Gailey has an excellent track record<\/strong><\/span> in developing young and\/or inexperienced quarterbacks. \u00a0He worked wonders with Fitzpatrick during his time with the Buffalo Bills and has been praised by past players and fellow coaches alike.<\/p>\n In an exclusive interview with JetNation.com<\/strong><\/span>, one of Gailey’s fomer quarterbacks, Jay Fielder of the Miami Dolphins had this to say about his one-time coordinator:<\/p>\n \u201cChan was a great teacher of the game and he did a great job of simplifying things for everyone. \u00a0He allowed guys to just go out and play and molded his offense around what they did well.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Given Fiedler’s insight and Gailey’s history of effectively utilizing a spread offense, one that better suits Smith’s skill-set, Bowles would have had a difficult time choosing a coordinator who would have been a better fit than Gailey.<\/p>\n 2) Upgrades at the\u00a0<\/span>Wide Receiver Position<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n It’s no secret that the Jets have had a difficult time acquiring established playmakers at the receiver position since the days of Keyshawn Johnson or Santana Moss.<\/p>\n Last season’s big offensive addition, Eric Decker, played the majority of 2014 with lingering hamstring injuries and his consistency suffered as a result.<\/p>\n Before acquiring the speedy Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks, Smith worked with lower-level receivers such as Greg Salas, David Nelson and T.J. Graham opposite the banged up Decker on game day.<\/p>\n Wide Receiver Greg Salas saw significant playing time prior to the addition of Percy Harvin in 2014.<\/p><\/div>\n The addition of Marshall to what will hopefully be a healthy Decker along with slot man Jeremy Kerley and rookie burner Devin Smith gives\u00a0Smith a diverse group of highly talented pass-catchers to work with.<\/p>\n Not to be forgotten in the receiver picture\u00a0is last year’s second-round pick, tight end Jace Amaro should only help matters.\u00a0 At 6′ 5” and coming from a spread offense himself at Texas Tech, Amaro could end up being as valuable as any receiver on the roster.<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0Smith’s Late-Season Surge<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Following a strong finish for the second consecutive season, we asked if Smith’s improved late season play was reason for optimism<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and plenty of fans seemed to feel that\u00a0it should be taken with a grain of salt if not dismissed completely. \u00a0This of course is due to\u00a0the fact that the previous season was much of the same for\u00a0Smith who ended his rookie campaign on a high note,\u00a0and there was little carry-over in season number two.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Even still, Smith’s six touchdowns to just two interceptions over the season’s final four weeks of the season can only help build his confidence going in to 2015 with a new coordinator and some\u00a0new targets on board.<\/p>\n Smith teamed\u00a0with a healthy Eric Decker for 221 yards on 10 catches in week 17.<\/p><\/div>\n 4) Better Defense<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Of course Smith’s main concern will be related to the performance of his fellow offensive players, but a suddenly robust secondary should result in a dramatic improvement over the 31 touchdown passes (3rd worst in the NFL) New York allowed last season.<\/p>\n For Smith, there should be no more feeling\u00a0that every drive must be a touchdown which should allow him to take what the defense gives him and force fewer throws into tight coverage.<\/p>\n If Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers can get this unit to play to their full potential, average quarterback play should be plenty to propel the Jets toward the post-season.<\/p>\n 5) Experience…<\/span>He’s not a kid anymore<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n Coming out of college, it was no secret that Smith was going to have plenty to learn after playing in a pass-happy offense at West Virginia.<\/p>\n Rarely asked to take a snap from under center or read through his progressions, Smith was as raw as could be during his rookie season. \u00a0Rushed into action following an injury to the since-departed Mark Sanchez, Smith was trying to “drink from the fire hose” and it showed.<\/p>\n![\"Wide](\"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/IMG_4745-300x200.jpg\")
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