So Geno Smith won’t be the starting quarterback for the Jets on opening day. There are far worse things going on in the world.
Every rookie signal caller can’t be Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson or Joe Flacco. Also, Smith not starting may actually be a good thing for the Jets.
Picture this scenario: Smith starts and stinks it up. He tosses five or six interceptions his first four weeks, and the Jets start the season 0-4. What is Rex Ryan supposed to do at that point? Go back to Mark Sanchez?
If Smith begins the season as the starter and is terrible, few Jets fans, if any, will have confidence that Sanchez will be able to get the season turned around. Sanchez’s third pass of the Jets’ first preseason game against the Detroit Lions was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. Not exactly a play that will instill confidence in fans.
As for Smith not starting, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers both waited their turn. So did Steve Young; Eli Manning sat behind Kurt Warner. So Smith can’t wait until his name is called?
Truth be told, neither Sanchez nor Smith lit it up in training camp. In fact, Smith, who Ryan referred to as “brutal” after one bad performance, tossed three interceptions and stepped out of the back of the end zone, resulting in a safety in Saturday’s 24-21 overtime win over the Giants.
Smith’s follies proved he wasn’t ready to be the starter.
Right now, Sanchez is the man. But he’s only the man by default. The former USC standout is making many of the same mistakes he did during his rookie season.
With no real game breaker on the outside or proven running back in the mix, it’s going to be difficult for either quarterback to excel. At AmNews press time, Ryan hadn’t named his starter yet. Barring an injury setback to Sanchez, who is not playing against the Eagles tonight at MetLife Stadium, he will be the starter.
Don’t fret, Jets fans, Smith will get his turn. But only when he’s ready and the time is right.