Everyone has an opinion on the New York Jets. Current players are speaking out about the quarterback competition and now former players are speaking out about the quarterback competition. As rookie Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez battle it out in training camp, people are stirring the pot over who they believe should win the starting job. Not even halfway through camp and NFL great Keyshawn Johnson is making his pick for quarterback.
While speaking on ESPN, the now NFL analyst believes that Smith will be the better choice at quarterback, eventually prevailing over Sanchez by the end of camp. Even if their talent level is the same, Smith will win out because the Jets are in need of a change.
"Geno will add another dimension of attitude to the team," Johnson said. "The players are probably more receptive to him than Mark. I would think the players like him more than Mark. They've been around Mark and they're tired of Mark's [crap]. That's how players think. Geno Smith is the new wave. He's hip, he's cool. Mark is in a tough spot."
Johnson is aware of what Sanchez can bring to the table. Not only did he watch the quarterback while playing in New York, but he watched him grow at Southern California. Johnson is a USC alum and has always been supportive of Sanchez. However, Johnson does believe Sanchez was drafted too high and set up in a bad situation.
"He was just OK in college. He wasn't a home-run hitter. Then you put him in New York; that's one of the worst things you could've done," Johnson said. "Had you put him in Green Bay and let him sit like Aaron Rodgers for several years, maybe he could've ended up like Rodgers. Now they draft Geno Smith after paying [Sanchez] a bunch of money. I get it, Geno Smith in the second round, he's very talented. But I don't know if they've put Mark in the best situations throughout his career."
Jets fans have made it pretty clear they are unhappy with Sanchez, so Johnson could have a point. No matter if he is the starter or not, Smith will see playing time with a set package of plays. The Jets will attempt to once again run a read-option package, likely featuring Smith. Sanchez might be saying his confident is not hurt by the presence of Smith, but as more people come out in favor of the rookie, he cannot be feeling great.
