New York Jets’ Quarterback David Garrard Retires: The Impact

Aug. 4, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback David Garrard (9) during a scrimmage at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets were all set to have a veteran quarterback involved in the quarterback competition this spring/summer. A career 60% passer was headed into camp to at the very least, give Mark Sanchez a run for his money. At the most, he was going to win the starting job and keep the seat warm for the eventual take over by Geno Smith.

But, as we reported last night, due to a nagging knee injury, David Garrard has been forced to leave the Jets and retire from the game. SNY host Adam Schein was sent a text by David Garrard telling him this much. That leaves the Jets’ QB situation with four combatants, Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Greg McElroy, and Matt Simms.

So, what happens now?  How does this really affect the race?  Assuming the Jets don’t sign another veteran, and judging by the list of remaining free agents, they won’t, what affect will this development have?

It will have some large effects, and the bulk of Jets’ fans will not be happy with one of the effects.

GREG MCELROY HAS A SPOT ON THE ROSTER

We have talked about this many times before, the Jets brass does not believe in Greg McElroy. Despite the fact that he won one game in relief of Mark Sanchez, and had really no chance in his one start thanks to 11 sacks, he is not the Jets’ QB of the future. If the Jets believed they had their quarterback of the future, there is no way they would have brought in a QB in the first two rounds. At most, they would have selected a QB on day 3 of the draft.

Now, David Garrard is gone. For all intents and purposes, Matt Simms is simply here as a camp arm. He is on the roster more for his last name than his chances to make the team. That being said, there are three spots available, and McElroy should be primed to take one of them. The odds of him playing are slim, but he will be back.

MARK SANCHEZ LIKELY STARTS WEEK ONE

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) passes the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the part that many of you will disagree with, and most of you will hate. This opens the door for everyone’s favorite quarterback to hate, Mark Sanchez. This system is going to work wonders for Mark. It will consist of short passes and quick decisions that will play right into Mark’s comfort zone.

Geno Smith will perform well, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that, after what has gone on with Mark, they are not going to rush Geno into this position. Unless he severely outplays the competition, the Jets will understand the value of having him sit, at least to start the season.

The biggest competition to Mark as far as starting immediately was David Garrard. Now that he is gone, Mark Sanchez will likely be the starter. Sorry gang.

What do you guys think?