Another Perspective on Geno Smith Remaining the Jets’ Starting Quarterback

Sep 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager John Idzik during warmups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I have been giving a lot of thought to the Rex Ryan/Geno Smith scenario unfolding in Florham Park. We know the situation by now. Geno has been struggling, turning the ball over, and getting worse over the last several weeks. There was speculation that Rex Ryan might turn to Matt Simms, fueled by the fact that Rex wouldn’t commit to Geno immediately after the game.

That ended on Monday, when coach Ryan named Geno Smith the quarterback for the game against Miami. There has been much debate back and forth about whether or not that is the right plan. Should Matt be given a chance? Should Geno play through it, no matter what happens? Obviously the Jets have made their call. You have heard mine yesterday.

Throughout the day since the decision was made, I have been thinking a lot about what the theory might be behind it. I have come up with something out of the box. It is just a theory, but it makes sense.

What if, Rex’s persistence in sticking with Geno Smith, is a defacto vote of confidence from John Idzik? What if Rex feels comfortable sticking with Geno, because he knows he has the backing of the front office moving ahead?

Think about it for a minute. What did we talk about all off-season? We talked about what it would take for Rex Ryan to be able to keep his job going forward from 2014. Some said it would take a certain win total. Others said it would be particular development on the team. Some said to look at the amount of fight the team has in it all year. Do they believe in Rex.

All fair points.

What we all said, was that there was likely to be a divergence of philosophy. Rex was going to have to win now, because he is fighting for his job. Idzik is here for the long-term, so he can more easily commit to long-term solutions. We all expected a separation to emerge here.

But look at the move made. Geno Smith is struggling, this is not in dispute. The Jets are in the thick of a Wild Card race, also not in dispute. There is no reason why the Jets should give up, they should keep moving ahead and try to earn that final spot.

Does sticking with a struggling quarterback show evidence of trying to win now? Maybe. But it is also very possible that a struggling quarterback will leave wins on the field. We have all seen it before.

So, it is hard to fathom that Rex is OK with staying with Geno, because behind closed doors, he has been assured he is coming back? Would it be the first time a deal has been struck verbally, before it is announced after the season? Of course not, it’s entirely possible.

Maybe Rex is not making a change, because he feels comfortable developing the long-term, because he is going to BE HERE for the long-term.

Think about it….