New York Jets Dead Wrong with Quarterback Position Yet Again

Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Matt Simms (5) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Well, at least we can say that the Jets are consistent, that’s for sure.

Despite Geno Smith’s continued poor play, and second half benching this past week against the Dolphins, the Jets announced yesterday that Geno Smith will remain the starting quarterback, starting Sunday’s game against the Raiders. Head coach Rex Ryan announced that this was an “organizational decision”, he has been impressed by Geno’s perseverance and is looking forward to Smith breaking out and having a big game.

The theory is let him play through it, and let’s see what we have in the guy. They need to commit to Geno for the rest of the season, and make a decision about him after the season is over. He gives them the best chance to win now, and as Rex puts it “Geno has a chance to be a good one”.

Sorry, the logic is flawed in this case. Bad idea. Not that I am surprised, as the Jets don’t exactly have a history of grooming quarterbacks appropriately. But here? It’s a bad move, and might ruin the kid, talking about Geno Smith.

First, let’s talk about the idea of leaving the quarterback in to take his lumps. “He needs to learn by playing”, everyone says. That’s true to a point. If the player is showing signs of improvement, at any level, go ahead and leave him in there. But is that what is happening with Geno right now? NO! He is not improving at all, and you can argue that he is getting worse.

Geno Smith has not completed 10 passes or more in a game since the October 27th game against Cincinnati. Since that game, his passing line has been as follows: 8-19, 8-23, 9-22, and 4-10. When was the last time that Geno threw a touchdown pass? WEEK SEVEN! WE ARE IN WEEK FOURTEEN FOLKS! Are these the stats of a guy that is getting better? I don’t think so.

Continuing to allow the rookie to play, even though he is getting worse, is not going to improve his game. Use the “eye” test. His accuracy has gotten worse every week. Staying in there has the potential to keep ruining his confidence, because we know it is dwindling. Despite what he says, there is no way that his confidence is at the same level. Getting continuously beaten up the way he is could ruin his confidence before his career ever gets out of the gate.

Sometimes, watching from the bench can give you a perspective that you don’t get from being on the field. It is not the end. Heck, John Elway got benched, I think his career turned out OK. How about you?

Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Matt Simms (5) drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Second, let’s talk about this anti-Matt Simms stuff. “He can’t be the guy.” Why not? Because nobody that was undrafted can be any good? Wayne Chrebet and Marques Colston would disagree, I think. There is nothing in Simms’ play to indicate he doesn’t have a good arm, and good football instincts. He certainly has the pedigree for it. Would it be a shock for a child of Phil Simms’ to be talented?

And stop telling me that he isn’t any good, based on his 9-18 performance on Sunday against Miami please. Come on. We all know and understand that the second string quarterback gets zero reps in practice. There are no decent weapons on the field to start with, and Matt didn’t get to practice with them. How was he supposed to do well? His performance on Sunday means nothing. If you really want to know how Matt Simms would perform, give him an entire week of practice with the game plan, and then you will find out.

Sitting down Geno Smith would do two positive things. It would give Geno Smith a break, get him out of the line of fire. It would stop the bleeding, and give him a chance to catch up with things. He could break the string of poor play, get a new perspective, and use that perspective to improve when he gets back out on the field. It would be a learning experience to make him a better quarterback.

Secondly, it would give the Jets the opportunity to see what they have in Matt Simms. Despite what everyone says, he MIGHT be a good quarterback, and this would be the opportunity to find out. They could do it now, when the games virtually mean nothing, and it wouldn’t ruin Geno Smith.

But the Jets can’t figure that out. Why? Because in their infinite wisdom, they can’t develop a quarterback, and it has been a long time since they could.

Not that it will matter if Marty doesn’t open up the playbook anyway.