Once again, the New York Jets quarterback situation is an absolute mess. After making headlines during training camp with a quarterback competition between rookie Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez, now the team is once again answering questions at the position. Smith was benched in favor of backup Matt Simms after recording just 29 passing yards on four completions leaving Rex Ryan coy on the future starter for the Jets.
"Right now, I can't tell you who is starting," Ryan said, via the New York Post.
As of now the Jets are still in the hunt for the playoffs despite the loss to the Miami Dolphins. They have a long shot at making the postseason, making the quarterback decision very important going forward. Prior to getting benched, Smith's first-half states were 4 completions for 29 yards and an interception. That made his total at 19 interceptions on the season and four fumbles. The Jets have lost their third-straight game and yet, the rookie still believes he is the best option for the remainder of the season.
"I have complete confidence in myself," Smith said. "It's been a tough three weeks, but I think I am the best option for this team. I think with the way that I work and the progress we've made as an offense -- I know as of late we haven't produced on the field -- but sometimes that happens in the NFL."
Smith appears to be the only one that seems to have confidence in his playing abilities. The fans have lost patience and are tired of the "growing pains" excuse. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes has said that he cannot throw the ball to himself, while others are simply saying the team must do a better job at executing no matter who is under center.
"It doesn't matter what we think right now, it's about what we need to play against the Raiders and what we have and what we need and what we're going to do. And I think that is where the focus is right now," Ryan said.
So where does that leave the Jets for the future? Right now, they have Simms and veteran David Garrard. Ryan noted that he did consider activating Garrard for the game, something the veteran said he was ready for. Garrard was signed and then promptly retired, only to come back and serve as a mentor to Smith. That has not been working out. Garrard has the veteran experience, but Ryan appears to like what he sees in Simms. He cut Greg McElroy in favor of the quarterback.
"All I know is what's in front of us," Ryan said. "I'm not going to dwell on this or this. We just have to look forward and do what's best for the team right now."
Sanchez is the one person benefiting from all this. Currently out for the season nursing a shoulder injury, the quarterback was highly considered to be traded in the offseason if Smith was successful. If the rookie woes continue, Sanchez could be back under center before he knows it.
