Geno Smith might think that his "flashes of Pro Bowl talent" would be enough to secure the starting quarterback spot for the future with the New York Jets, but according to the coaching staff, the flashes are not enough. Through almost two seasons as the quarterback for the Jets and Smith has only shown franchise abilities a handful of times and the coaches of the Jets say he needs to step up his consistency if he intends to remain with the team.
Smith has been hearing the criticism surrounding his productivity this season, or lack of it, and he told the media earlier in the week that he has the potential to be a Pro Bowl quarterback with the progress he has already shown. According to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, those bits of progress are simply not enough and Smith needs to do more.
"He certainly has shown flashes of playing well," Mornhinweg said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "Like I said, we all have to play better. This isn't about flashing or anything. We've got to play better. Everything we do has to be better. That takes hard work, it takes preparation, it takes a certain mentality."
In translation, the Jets' coaching staff wants Smith to stop talking about playing better and actually do so. Head coach Rex Ryan hinted that starting Smith for the remainder of the season is actually to help with the future outlook of the team. Michael Vick will be gone in free agency and Smith can determine if he is out too. If the second-year pro can finish the year strong in the final three games, there is hope that he will be considered for the starting spot. However, if he continues down the path he is on, the Jets will go in a different direction.
According to Grantland.com, the Jets will be active in the trading sweepstakes for Robert Griffin III. The Washington Redskins are all but done with the quarterback and reports suggest a trade will be a priority once the year is over. Smith's struggles and the coaching criticism only fuels the idea that New York is considering their options and Griffin is one of them.
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are the other top options going forward. If the Jets drafted tomorrow, they would be No. 4 in the order which should allow them to take one of the two quarterbacks. The team would likely retain Smith and let the rookie push him for the starting spot.
