EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is piling up interceptions at an alarming rate -- nine in the last two games -- but he apparently doesn't have to worry about losing his job just yet.
Coach Todd Bowles said his confidence level in Fitzpatrick is "no different than when the season started."
Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions Sunday in a 27-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, bringing his season total to 10. His fourth-quarter total is eight, including three Sunday.
"I am going down in the boat with No. 14."Brandon Marshall
The last Jets' quarterback to throw nine interceptions in a two-game span was Joe Namath in 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Prior to that, it was done by Dick Wood in 1964.
The Jets' alternative is former starter Geno Smith, but they signed Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $12 million contract and still believe he's their best option.
The embattled quarterback still has the support of the locker room, especially receiver Brandon Marshall, who bristled when asked if the team needs to evaluate the quarterback position.
"I am -- going down -- in the boat -- with Ryan Fitzpatrick," said the veteran wide receiver, pausing every couple of words for emphasis. "OK? You got that? So can you not ask me anymore questions about that? I am going down in the boat with No. 14."
Fitzpatrick played well for three quarters, but the game turned when a back-shoulder pass for Marshall was picked off by cornerback Richard Sherman early in the fourth quarter. The Jets trailed 17-10 at the time.
Fitzpatrick's second interception went off rookie receiver Robby Anderson's hands, and the third came in the final minute, a desperation throw. Fitzpatrick's job security will be a hot issue, but Bowles insisted he's not worried about that.
"I don't worry about questions about his play, I just worry about turnovers," he said. "He knows he can't have turnovers. Some of them are unfortunate and not the quarterback's fault, but nevertheless the quarterback runs the offense, so he can't turn the ball over. We have to get better there."
Fitzpatrick endured a rough patch last season but ended up having a career year and rallied the team to a 10-6 record. Once again, he has doubters.
"For me, that's been my whole career," he said. "It's not anything new for me. I just have to continue to prepare and try to be the best guy I can be every Sunday, whether that's coming off a good game or a bad game."