Is Ryan Fitzpatrick's career on the line vs Patriots?
"I understand what happens in the NFL. I understand that it's a performance-based business,'' Fitzpatrick said Wednesday, noting the two had a long chat in the GM's office. "For quarterbacks, you have to win games or else.''
That now becomes the challenge for the eighth-year NFL journeyman and former seventh-round draft pick, who remains upbeat even while appreciating that he's running out of chances to prove himself.
"I'm confident. I know there's a lot of doubt outside,'' Fitzpatrick said. "I'm the guy. I'm the guy that's supposed to turn this thing around. And you know, we've still got eight games to do it.''
What happens in the NFL is if you suck, you get cut.
Ryan Fitzpatrick got a pass last year because word came out that he was injured in the second half.
This year? He won't be so lucky.
The Bills are 3-5 and they face a team that's beaten them 16 out of the last 17 times. Things aren't looking up for Fitzpatrick's chances. A loss this week could put the Bills well on their way to another last place finish in the AFC East and another major overhaul. At least at Quarterback.
For his career, Fitzpatrick is 1-5 against New England with some decent numbers. He's thrown for 1,702 yards (283.7 yds/g), 11 touchdowns and a 61.9 completion percentage.
There's also some ugly numbers, like 16 interceptions.
Still, Patriots fans shouldn't write this game off. The Bills have pretty consistently played the Patriots tough - even in spurts. They beat the Patriots last year and then got out to a big lead on them in the second game before getting trounced. Much like the game earlier this year.
A team, or especially a player, with their backs against the wall is always a dangerous team to face.
We'll see if the Harvard man can keep the pundits in Buffalo from calling for his job for one more week.
