Even with quarterback Mark Sanchez out, the quarterback controversy continues for the New York Jets. While rookie Geno Smith is confident in the security of his job, Matt Simms reportedly has growing support to start if Smith continues to struggle.
Smith has looked like, well, a rookie. Over his first two regular-season games, Smith completed 39-of-73 passes for 470 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. Unfortunately the second-rounder may not have time to mature as an NFL quarterback and figure things out on the field. At least not while coach Rex Ryan's job is on the line.
If the Jets' season starts to spiral, there's a very real possibility Smith could be benched - not for Sanchez, but for Simms.
"Within Jets organization, QB Matt Simms has some real support to play. Should Geno Smith struggle, worth watching," ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted over the weekend.
Simms, the son of ex-NFL quarterback Phil Simms, signed with the Jets in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee. The Jets gave the 24-year-old quarterback a chance to compete in the preseason, and he looked impressive.
Granted it was preseason, Simms played well. Ryan could become desperate enough for wins and decide to see what happens with Simms under center, if only as a last ditch effort to save his job.
Smith, however, is confident he will remain the starter and refuted Schefter's report.
"Adam's doing his job, and I'm pretty sure whatever he put out there, he probably got some information," Smith told ESPN radio on Monday. "But I can tell you one thing. Within this organization, from my coaches right down to [GM] John [Idzik], Rex, all those guys - I don't think they would have brought me in here if they didn't see the potential in me."
Smith added: "Matt, I think is a really good quarterback. But I think I'm the guy for the job."
It's too early to write off Smith. He is a rookie with only two games under his belt. But should Smith not show improvement each week, the support for Simms could lead to a new quarterback starting.
