The Jets quarterback competition is the saga that will not stop. As the transition into the 2013 season continues, the Jets are waiting for their true starter to emerge. Downplaying the demise of Mark Sanchez, the coaching staff remains as confused as ever on who will be under center come Week One of the season. As first-team reps continue to be divided between five guys, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is hoping someone emerges as the top option, quickly.
During a conference call with Jets season ticket holders, Mornhinweg stressed the effort being put in to develop all of the quarterbacks and that a battle for the position should allow the best fit to rise to the top.
"This is going to be a competition and the reps will be distributed regarding how they've played in recent past history. And typically there will be a player at every position when there's competition that will rise above and beyond the other players and hopefully that's quick," Mornhinweg said.
When describing the competition, Mornhinweg used the term "bona fide" to show that all five quarterbacks have an equal chance at starting. Music to the ears of Jets fans. Mornhinweg explained that the starting quarterback could change each day depending on previous performances in practices. He is hopeful that the competition is not dragged on and they can establish a depth chart as quickly as possible.
These statements will only put more pressure on current top quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Since the NFL draft when the Jets selected Geno Smith, Sanchez has dealt with trade rumors and talks of being released. SI.com reported that Sanchez would easily be released or traded away if Smith emerges as the top quarterback. If backups David Garrard and Greg McElroy stay healthy, Sanchez might see his fall from the top happen quickly.
Both Smith and Sanchez are saying all the right things when addressing the media in regards to the competition. Smith calling Sanchez a "pretty good quarterback" and that he is excited to work with him. Sanchez is not saying much other than he will fight to be the starting quarterback for the team.
Time will tell just how long this drama plays itself out. With the history of the Jets, they might not name a starter until the Saturday before the season begins. Fans are certainly hoping that is far from the case.