Just two weeks removed from his first career NFL start, Bryce Petty will serve as Ryan Fitzpatrick's backup Sunday against the Patriots.
"Nothing's changed for me," Petty said. "That's Coach's decision, so I'm going to respect that. He knows what's best for the team."
Petty, upbeat and donning a smile, told reporters that his preparation won't change. With Fitzpatrick nursing a sore left knee in Week 10, Petty completed 19 of 32 passes for 163 yards against the Rams with 1 TD and 1 INT.
"My feelings are irrelevant. They really are," he said. "I'm not going to focus on me because that takes away from the team. Again, nothing has changed. I'm going to continue to prepare like I'm the starter and get better every day I can."
In his second year with the team, the Baylor product was inactive for the first seven games before backing up Fitzpatrick in Weeks 8 and 9.
Last week, Petty referred to Fitzpatrick as the brother he never had. A day after the Jets' lost 9-6 to the Rams, Petty knew that he could once again move to the No. 2 spot when the team returned from its bye.
"Nothing changes in that, and I think, again, it's just a respect factor that I have for him," Petty said following his professional debut. "It just means a lot that we can go in and it's not awkward. Whoever's in there, we're trying to make each other better — on the field competitively and then we're trying to help each other in film room too. I don't help him nearly as much as he helps me. It's been great."
As customary with a backup passer, Bowles said Petty will take some first-team reps throughout the week. The head coach also reaffirmed his confidence in Petty.
"If he has to play, he'll be ready to play," Bowles said. "I thought he had a great experience against the Rams and I thought he carried himself well. Some things, obviously, he's got to learn, but his chance will come."
