How Geno Smith can Earn the New York Jets Starting QB Job on Saturday

Aug 9, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to pass in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Geno Smith is starting Saturday night against the Giants, much to the delight of many Jets fans around the area. Rex Ryan was unclear as to how long Geno might play on Saturday night, when Mark will come in…etc.. Despite this talk from the coach, we know that this is going to be Geno’s night to shine.

Can Geno earn the starting job on Saturday night? It’s an interesting question. Coach Ryan wasn’t sure, and said the competition could go through the fourth game against the Eagles. He was not clear about what he needs to see from Smith to have him earn the job either.

Personally, it would be in the Jets’ best interest to be able to choose a quarterback after the game Saturday night, so they can treat the Eagles game like a normal 4th preseason game, and begin to prepare for the Bucs.

So, if Rex doesn’t know what he needs to see from Geno, I am going to tell you. Don’t you love that? I have some ideas as to what Rex and company should be looking for in order to anoint Geno Smith the starter.

CONFIDENCE

We have seen what a quarterback looks like when they are not confidence. Just look at Mark’s games from a good portion of 2012. Lack of confidence means mistakes. A quarterback that is not confident in what they are doing is not going to get the job done.

How does he show the coaching staff that he is confident? Do not hold that ball too long. He has had problems with this element of the game during the entire preseason so far, and it will be a killer, ask Mark. The West Coast offense is built on quick dropbacks, and quick reads. Get the ball out of your hand. Three steps, and get that ball out. Five steps and get that ball out. Do not hold it. If he can do that, it will show a real grasp of the offensive concept.

Other than that, confidence is shown by how he handles the team. Make confident calls. Get the team organized at the line of scrimmage. Show a full, confident understanding of Marty’s offense. This will do a lot to earn him the job.

DECISION MAKING

Again, we know exactly what bad decision-making looks like. Hi Mark. You know what I think of you but it’s true.

Geno needs to make good reads, all over the field. Don’t try to force a single pass. He needs to show the coaching staff that he doesn’t have to force the football to show the world what he can do. Understand that if nothing is there, you always have the next play.

And for God’s sake, no interceptions in the Red Zone, please!

FIGHT BACK

Finally, if something goes wrong, we need to see Geno Smith have some fight back. If he makes a bad throw, does he hang his head? Can he have a short-term memory, and have a good drive the next time? If someone fumbles, can he lead? Can he keep that guy in the game, ready to get it done the next time?

These are the things I see that Geno Smith needs to do on Saturday night to earn the week one starting job. What do you guys think?