New York Jets: Geno Smith Will Face Tough Competition From Michael Vick

Photo Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets who struggled mightily in the passing game in 2014, brought in mobile quarterback Michael Vick during the 2014 offseason. It is still not yet known who will be starting in the team’s first game of the season against the Oakland Raiders – Vick or two-year veteran Geno Smith – but it will be decided in the preseason.

“We want that competition. We’ll let it all play out,” said head coach Rex Ryan.

Vick, the more experienced quarterback of the two, has the breakaway speed to compliment his passing game, something that may revamp this Jets offense.

With additions like wide receiver Eric Decker and running back Chris Johnson, the Jets are shaping their offense into playoff contenders, something they missed by a couple of games last year.

The Jets passing game was one of the weakest in the NFL, as they finished the year 31st in passing yards per game -183.3 ypg. Many factors may have contributed to this struggle, such as their below average wide receiving corp or their then rookie quarterback, Geno Smith.

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Granted, Jeremy Kerley (523 yards) and Santonio Holmes (456 yards) led the Jets in receiving yards – two players that are solid but not the average ‘number one’ or ‘number two’ NFL wide receivers. However, Smith looked inconsistent at times. He posted 12 touchdowns in comparison to his 21 interceptions, reaching just above 3,000 passing yards.

Smith was drafted in hopes of becoming the team’s new franchise quarterback. It may be hard for the team to ‘throw him to the curb’ after just an average rookie year. If he makes smarter decisions with a better receiving team, he may become the player the Jets envisioned him to be on Draft Day.

The two quarterbacks are slated to face off in the four preseason games, but it seems as though Vick may be the favorite to win the job. A versatile quarterback, Vick will need to stay healthy to maintain the job – something that might give Smith the edge if the race is close.

Who do you think will be the Jets starting quarterback? Leave your comments below.