As organized team activities continue on for the New York Jets, so does their highly touted quarterback competition. Both Mark Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith are in the hunt for the starting job and their performances during OTAs will ultimately determine the depth chart going into training camp. Both quarterbacks have struggled heavily as practices go on, but that is not stopping the coaching from praising the players to the media.
Sanchez went into practice last week and threw three interceptions in one afternoon. For a quarterback that produced one of the highest turnover rates last season, interceptions during practice are not helping his cause. Over the past two seasons, Sanchez has produced over 52 turnovers in total. If he fails to improve on that number, his starting job and possibly spot on the roster are all but gone.
Despite the quarterback's struggles, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is trying to shine a more positive light in Sanchez's direction when it comes to accuracy. The coach told media that Sanchez's "completion percentage and accuracy percentage have been sky high up to date." That sort of praise could go a long way for Sanchez when it comes to keeping his job secure.
Mornhinweg is not the only giving Sanchez love as a starting quarterback. Former Jets' quarterback Joe Namath has come out in support of Sanchez, believing he is the better quarterback than Smith.
"I know that Sanchez is going to play better. He went through some major distractions last year. No matter how much you say, "It doesn't bother me, that's not a focus-breaker,' bull. I promise you you'll see a different guy this year," Namath said.
The quarterback competition is certainly causing some heat in New York's locker room. An unnamed Jets player has come out and said that while everyone on the team likes Sanchez, they are ready for a change at the position. Sanchez has failed the team the past two season and is digressing as an NFL quarterback, leading many to believe his playing days are over.
The competition will continue regardless of outside opinions on either quarterback. Smith is starting his professional career off with struggles as well. He also threw an interception during OTAs, yet that does almost unnoticed when Sanchez throws three. The Jets drafted him for a reason and if Smith can be less awful than Sanchez, he has a future in New York.
