New York Jets general manager John Idzik said choosing Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith as the team's starter will be a joint-decision between himself and coach Rex Ryan. Unfortunately for Sanchez, Idzik's latest comments appear to spell the end for 26-year-old pro.
Ryan has said he wanted to wait for training camp to play out before he chooses a starting quarterback. Although Idzik didn't subvert his coach, Idzik did say, as general manager, he will have a "pretty big role" in the decision-making process, according to ESPN.
"When you look at who's going to play, Rex and I will talk about that freely," Idzik told ESPN. "When you put in the time and effort, and when you make that decision, you feel like it's a 'we' decision, not an individual decision. It's not like someone will drop the gavel and do something counter to what the Jets want to do."
His comments aren't out of the ordinary, but given the current state of the Jets, his words could be more telling than not. Ryan and Sanchez are expected this season to be fighting for their jobs. Idzik, in his first season as GM, didn't pick Ryan and Sanchez - he inherited them.
Former GM Mike Tannenbaum lost his job with Ryan and Sanchez at the helm. Idzik has no ties to the pair, and his only concern is righting the Jets ship and preserving his own job.
ESPN analyst Andrew Brandt broke down the possible subtext in Idzik''s comments:
Idzik used a second round pick on a quarterback of his choosing. While that's not to say Smith is destined to start this season no matter what, Idzik's comments could suggest Smith would get the nod if there's even a shot at the rookie playing better than Sanchez.
All the pressure is on Sanchez. He needs a phenomenal season to convince Idzik he's the answer at quarterback. Otherwise, the GM's hand-picked, potential future of the franchise is waiting in the wings - Idzik seems ready to pull the trigger on Smith as soon as the rookie becomes a viable option to start.
Ryan, meanwhile, must win with whoever ends up starting under center to keep his office in Florham Park.
