New York Jets' Mark Sanchez declared on Thursday he had won the quarterback competition against Geno Smith and would've started if not for his shoulder injury. After Smith's poor outing on Thursday against the New England Patriots, is Jets general manager John Idzik having second thoughts about the rookie?
The much-maligned Sanchez has battled rumors all summer about his future in New York. Although the Jets never officially said who won the quarterback competition, there was, if you ask Sanchez, an undisputed winner.
"What I'm really disappointed about is that I got hurt because I won the competition," Sanchez said on Thursday, via NFL.com.
When specifically asked if he felt he won the competition, Sanchez replied: "There's no doubt. It was a done deal."
Despite likely needing season-ending surgery, Sanchez is insisting on rehabbing his shoulder to preserve his chance of returning this year and claiming the starting job.
"I'm rehabbing my (butt) off to try and make it back, and that's where my head's at," Sanchez said. "There is no plan for surgery at this time."
Should Sanchez go on IR, his career with the Jets is likely finished. Idzik reportedly from the beginning wanted his hand-picked quarterback, Smith, to start Week 1. It's very possible Sanchez is still only on the roster because his contract guaranteed his salary for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Sanchez's fifty-two turnovers over the past two years certainly haven't helped the five-year pro in the eyes of his new general manager, but it's becoming increasingly obvious that Smith will have a steep learning curve in adapting to the NFL.
On Thursday, Smith completed just 15-of-35 passes for 214 yards and three interceptions against the Patriots. Smith fared slightly better in the season opener against Tampa Bay, completing 24-of-38 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Jets want to use this season to evaluate whether Smith can be a franchise quarterback, according to the New York Daily News. While his upside is great, Smith needs more time to adjust in the NFL.
Would Sanchez, if healthy, have been a better option to win games? Idzik might be wondering that in the coming weeks if the team continues to lose.
