Once again the New York Jets offseason will be headlined by a quarterback battle. Last year was supposed to solve that ongoing issue after the team drafted Geno Smith in the second round and started him every game in place of the injured Mark Sanchez. However, a release of Sanchez and a signing of Michael Vick has once again put the future at the position in question. However, according to Vick, Smith is the clear starter.
When Vick was going through free agency, he told reporters he only intended to sign with a team that gave him a chance at starting in 2104. When he signed with the Jets, eyebrows were raised. Things became even more unclear when New York signed running back Chris Johnson and he said the coaching staff claimed the starting quarterback battle was open and anyones to win. However, Vick says that right now, Smith is the clear starter and he is simply trying to play his best football.
"Geno's the starting quarterback for that football team," Vick said, via ESPN.com. "Ultimately our goal is to try to help Geno become the best quarterback that he can be. Myself and Matt Simms are all trying to put him in a position where he can get better from Year 1 to Year 2. I wouldn't say I'd necessarily be OK with sitting on the bench, but I know what I signed up for," Vick said at the time of his signing, describing Smith as a good friend. "I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno. I know he has a long way to go, but we both talked and we both agree we're going to push one another and make each other better."
Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg echoed the words of Vick noting that Smith was getting the first-team reps in offseason workouts and likely would do the same come training camp unless something changes. However, he would not commit to saying Smith was the starting quarterback, keeping things fun and interesting for the Jets.
There are certainly those who believe Vick is the better option at quarterback for next year. At 34, he still has years left in the tank. Last season Smith was wildly inconsistent. He tossed 21 interceptions and only started to improve towards the end of the season. A year of sitting behind a veteran like Vick could help him become the start the Jets are looking for.
Vick is on a one-year deal. He certainly will be wanting to make the most of that. He will take every chance he gets to prove he is the team's starting quarterback no matter what he says in front of the press.
