New York Jets make big change, starting QB Geno Smith against Ravens

The New York Jets will name Geno Smith as the starting quarterback over struggling Ryan Fitzpatrick in Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith will make his first start since Dec. 28, 2014, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday and confirmed by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Jets coach Todd Bowles initially said Fitzpatrick would retain his starting position after being benched in favor of Geno Smith in the fourth quarter of the embarrassing 28-3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night that dropped the Jets to 1-5.

Bowles backtracked his statements on Tuesday.

"(Smith) did show some promise when he was in there," Bowles told reporters Tuesday. "He understood the game plan. He did good for the drive he was in there (for).

"I did (revisit the idea of starting Smith) and when I discuss it with the staff, when they know, then everybody else will know. If I decide to make a move, they'll know (Wednesday)."

Smith was the Jets' starter in 2015, but he lost the job in training camp when his jaw was broken in a locker-room altercation with then-teammate IK Enemkpali, who punched Smith in a dispute over a $600 plane ticket.

Fitzpatrick has compiled an 11-11 record as the starter over two seasons. He had a career season in 2015 but has thrown a league-high 11 interceptions this year as the offense has managed only three touchdowns in the past four games -- all losses.

On Monday night, Fitzpatrick was 16 of 31 for 174 yards and an interception. In one series against the Cardinals, Smith completed 4 of 6 passes for 31 yards, but he fumbled on a sack (the Jets recovered) and threw an interception.

Smith, a second-round pick in 2013, compiled an 11-18 starting record in his first two seasons.