The New York Jets quarterback competition is still going. Mark Sanchez is trying to prove he should be at the helm of the this team and rookie Geno Smith is trying to come back from an ankle injury and show his lack of NFL experience doesn’t mean he can’t handle the job.
The Jets’ preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday was a huge chance for Sanchez. Smith was sitting out due to the ankle injury and Sanchez would have the opportunity took take a significant lead in the competition.
However, according to ESPNNewYork.com, Sanchez’s performance in the Jets’ 37-13 win may have had an adverse affect.
Sanchez had a decent showing Saturday. He went 13-for-23 with one touchdown. Unfortunately he made two errors:
No. 1 – A red zone interception to Jaguars cornerback Marcus Trufant
No. 2 – As the second quarter came to a close, he held onto the ball for an extended period of time. He then overthrew wide receiver Clyde Gates in the end zone as time as the clock hit zero.
"That won't happen again," Sanchez said referring to the play. However Jets head coach Rex Ryan took the blame saying "that one was on me" for managing time more efficiently.
For Jets fans and analysts who are looking for perfection from Sanchez following a subpar season, these mistakes do not bode well.
Despite the USC-product’s performance on Saturday, Ryan says nothing is set in stone as far as his team’s QB situation is concerned.
"We're not willing to name a starting quarterback right now," coach Rex Ryan said. "Will we name one before the Giants game (next Saturday)? I don't know, but right now, we're not comfortable making that decision."
As for Smith’s ankle the rookie said, “It’s doing a lot better.
“It’s pretty much close to 100 percent.”
Smith added that “based upon what [he’s] been told, the competition is still open.”
Smith will likely get to start—and get a substantial amount of playing time—on Saturday when the Jets play the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Game time is at 7 p.m. ET.
