Geno Smith is taking every step necessary to improve in the upcoming season. The New York Jets quarterback is on thin ice as he enters a critical third year with the team. The Jets gave Smith their silent vote of confidence by not moving up in the NFL Draft for players like Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston like many predicted they would. Now it is Smith's job to prove he can be a real threat in the league and he is putting in the work before training camp even begins.
According to the New York Post, Smith gathered receivers like Brandon Marshall Eric Decker and Devin Smith in Chicago to begin gaining chemistry and work on plays before the team officially reports to training camp. This is not the first time Marshall and Smith have worked together outside of the Jets facility as the two immediately began practicing when the receiver was traded from the Chicago Bears. While he offseason workouts are certainly not a surprise, Smith did make it clear that he would be the only quarterback in attendance as both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty are not expected to attend.
"I'll probably be the only [quarterback] there,'' Smith said, via the New York Post. "It's welcome to anyone who wants to come. It's not like I'm barring them from coming. If they want to they can be there too.''
Head coach Todd Bowles made it clear in the offseason that Smith was entering the year as the starting quarterback, but he did not rule out the idea of a change if he struggles. The Jets acquired Fitzpatrick in a trade with the Houston Texans. There was some belief that he would be the starter over Smith, but broken leg suffered back in December has prevented him from truly getting on the field. Petty is being viewed as a long-term option if Smith cannot develop this season. He showed signs of potential during OTAs and minicamp, but is not ready to start. According to Smith, he is not feeling any additional pressure with added quarterbacks to the roster.
"I don't feel any pressure,'' Smith said, via Newsday.com. "I feel like we've got a lot of room for improvement, but I love the way we're working and competing. To have guys around me that are so, so good, it takes all the pressure off of me.''
