FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Another week with the Jets, and more quarterback intrigue. This time coach Rex Ryan cited a “Jet decision” in giving second-year quarterback Geno Smith his first start since throwing three interceptions in 10 minutes against the Bills on Oct. 26.
Linebacker Calvin Pace put a good face on it, saying he believes in Smith when asked about the switch. So what gives Pace that confidence?
“One, I really don't have a choice," he said.
Ouch.
Pace continued: "Two, he's got the tools. He's just got to believe in himself and go out there and execute and do what [offensive coordinator] Marty [Mornhinweg] tells him to do, and just make some plays."
Ryan usually explains those decisions by saying the player gives the Jets the best chance to win, but he has dovetailed with this start for Smith, saying it’s in the best interest of the organization. Instead, it appears the Jets are going to see if Smith is able to develop into a franchise quarterback.
“Most quarterbacks take a few years to develop and then you put them in, and that’s probably the best way to do it in an ideal world," Ryan said. “But the two situations we’ve had haven’t been ideal.”
Ryan is also referring to Mark Sanchez, who just led the Eagles to a win over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. He also started for the Jets during his rookie season, and seems to be hitting his stride outside of New York.
“I think [Sanchez] looked tremendous last night, until I passed out from the tryptophan or whatever," said Ryan, referencing the effects of his Thanksgiving turkey. "He looked terrific.”
Mornhinweg said he always wanted to bring Smith back into the starting spot. At 2-9, the Jets were formally eliminated from the playoffs last week. The offensive coordinator disputed a report that said he wanted veteran quarterback Michael Vick to start this week again.
“There is no question that Geno can be a fine quarterback in this league,” Mornhinweg said.
The seesaw starting rotation makes it difficult for an offense described by Mornhinweg as “off just a little bit” to get back in sync. Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley has seen the years of development at quarterback culminate in a 2-9 season and a lot of uncertainty at quarterback.
“I think you’ve just got to go with a decision and stick with it,” Kerley said. “But that’s just me, I’m not a coach.”
Ryan said he expected Smith to be the Jets' starter for the rest of the season, but he wasn’t definitive.
“I would anticipate that and hope that’s the case but we’ll see,” Ryan said.
So with that ringing endorsement, Smith will make his return Monday night against Miami, a divisional opponent and a national audience. Still, the bland platitudes he offered didn't betray any nerves.
“I can't worry about that,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to making positive plays and staying in the moment and taking it one play at a time. I've got to go out there and read my keys and do what's right on that particular play. I can't be focused on what'll happen here down the line because that'll sidetrack me from what's really important, which is going out there and playing the game."