The New York Jets And The Case For Sticking With Geno Smith
By Erik Lambert
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Any time a regime changes on an NFL team, it’s bound to set off rumors of big roster moves, especially at the quarterback position. It’s no different for the New York Jets who are already being projected to go after one with their 6th overall pick in the 2015 draft. While no one can blame new head coach Todd Bowles for wanting his own quarterback, there is an argument to be made that the Jets may want to stick it out a little longer with Geno Smith.
Improvement
By and large the 2014 season was a bust for the Jets, but it can’t be attributed to the play of Smith. In fact, by the numbers, he played much more efficiently in his second year than he did his rookie season. Despite playing in fewer games, Smith threw more touchdowns, fewer interceptions, completed more passes and was sacked less. His seasons wasn’t entirely pretty, but there was clear improvement late in the season. Over the final four games he completed 65% of his passes for 1001 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Chan Gailey
Adding to this idea is the presence of new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Not only is he a widely experienced offensive mind, he also has developed a reputation for elevating quarterbacks to their best. Kordell Stewart, Jay Fiedler, Tyler Thigpen and Ryan Fitzpatrick all produced career seasons under Gailey’s watch. There is no reason to think he can’t do the same for Smith.
Stability
Teams constantly starting over never win. There is something to be said for stability at the most important position in the NFL. That’s not to say the New York Jets can’t do better than Geno Smith, but by sticking with him, they can instead focus on rebuild the strength of their roster. By having him under center they know what they’re getting and how to work with it. He’s proven he can win games if given enough help.
In the end the Jets have a tough decision ahead. Nobody would blink twice if they went for a quarterback in the draft, but there are some good reasons for them to ride it out with Geno Smith, at least for one more year.