New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez—and many analysts—are fairly confident the USC product will be Gang Green’s starting quarterback in the fall. It is possible some of his confidence is derived from the lack of competition he is receiving for the Jets starting job, according to NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal.
Sanchez’s biggest competition has been rookie quarterback Geno Smith. The West Virginia star was recently in the news after choosing to forego Sanchez’s annual “Jets West” camp out in California.
ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini did a Jet’s quarterback review Monday in which he discussed the strengths and weaknesses of Geno Smith. Cimini highlighted his “athleticism” and “arm” as upsides to Smith. However, he called the rookie’s OTAs and minicamp performance “lackluster” and questioned Smith’s ability to lead.
In June, Rex Ryan discussed the possibility of the 22-year old working as a piece that can change the Jets’ offensive look in certain spots.
"They didn't really run a whole lot of zone reads and different things (at West Virginia)," Ryan acknowledged during a news conference. "But (Smith) has the skill set to where there's no reason he shouldn't be able to do that. ... Running for first downs and touchdowns, I think that's how the league is probably going to progress with these things."
Recently, Jets receiver Stephen Hill said in an NFL Network interview that Smith doesn’t talk much, which could either be a good or bad for the rookie.
It could be positive because it means he is taking in as much as possible being a first-year player. However, it may also mean he is not building a great rapport with his teammates—which doesn’t bode well for someone who is competing to be the leader of a squad.
Mark Sanchez will most likely start the season due to his experience in the league, his potential (he previously helped the Jets get to two AFC championship games) and his relationship with his teammates. However, if he continues to be the player he was last season—posting the second worst passer rating in the NFL and causing fumbles by bumping into his center’s backside—fans may soon begin chanting the name, “Geno Smith.”
