Rex Ryan loves nothing more than to bring as much attention to the New York Jets as possible. He also appears to love nothing more than a good old fashion quarterback battle that will likely headline the team's offseason reports. Of course Geno Smith is there. Michael Vick signed a new contract. Matt Simms is hanging around and Tajh Boyd was just drafted. According to Ryan, everyone has a chance to start.
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg noted that when camp opens, Smith would be the presumed starter and will take the first-team reps. At the end of last season, this appeared to be a given. Smith started every game in the 2013 season thanks to Mark Sanchez's injury and while he suffered his share of rookie ups and downs, it looked like the Jets were willing to commit to him. The release of Sanchez only furthered that belief until Vick signed in free agency. According to Ryan, Smith may be the starter as of now, but do not rule Vick out as an option.
Ryan told the New York Daily News that Smith will be hard to beat out at starting quarterback based on his knowledge of the offense in place, but Vick will get his chance to prove himself as a potential starter. This goes along with what running back Chris Johnson told reporters when he signed in free agency. The veteran was quick to say that coaches stressed the starting quarterback spot was up for grabs.
To add to the mix, the Jets announced they signed Boyd to his rookie contract. The former Clemson quarterback was a sixth-round selection that feels like a waste for the Jets unless they have no confidence in the other three quarterbacks on the roster. Given that Vick signed a one-year deal and Simms also earned an extension, some questioned the arrival of Boyd.
Wide receiver Eric Decker is hoping the quarterback uncertainties do not continue on forever. The receiver who signed a big free agent deal told the Daily News that chemistry with the quarterback is very important and if he constantly has two different players throwing to him, it might be hard to establish. Decker comes from Denver and Peyton Manning and might be in for a rude awakening when camp opens.
One person in Vick's corner is Joe Namath. According to the former Jets great, Vick is the better option over Smith at least for this season.
"Of course, the coaches are going to decide who's out there, but, boy, I don't know any football fan that's been around for nine or 10 years that doesn't think Michael will be outstanding and probably is the best player at this time," Namath said, via ESPN New York. "If Mike's healthy, I think he's the better player at this point. Now, Geno's got some talent, no doubt, but we've obviously seen Michael and what he can do. "
