New York Jets: The Geno Smith divide

By Jonathan Maldonado | Jul 19, 2015

With the 39th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Geno Smith, quarterback out of West Virginia. Two seasons later, Smith has become something of a polarizing figure for Jets fans. Before the start of his rookie season, Smith was a young QB many considered full of potential. In his final season at West Virgina, Smith threw 42 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions and completed 71.2 of his passes. The Jets and fans alike were optimistic about Smith developing into the franchise quarterback they desperately need.

Flash forward to 2015 and here we are, 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions later. Not quite the numbers everyone was hoping for.

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Fans are sharply divided over Smith and his ability to grow into a quality quarterback. You can find several hundred opinions on the matter throughout Facebook groups in which fans are divided in whether he can get the job done or should be gone faster than a New York minute.

It goes without saying how important the QB position is, but any mention of Smith or the team’s ability to make and compete in the playoffs ignites a flurry of comments both in favor of and against the young QB.

Among the comments you’ll find several fans praising the improvement in touchdown to interception ratio over his first two seasons. His lack of options in the receiving corps and the lackluster offensive line are among other reasons offered for his early struggles.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Jets 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side of the coin, many fans can’t get over his knack for turning the ball over. Thirty-four interceptions and eight fumbles through two seasons has Jets loyalists pulling their hair out. And the criticisms are fair. Smith has shown no poise in the pocket or consistent ability to improvise on the fly. About the only thing consistent is his decision to let the ball float dangerously over opposing defenses as if sending personalized invitations to intercept his throw.

All that said, there seems to be no consensus for the upcoming season on #7. Aside from his abilities, fans argue whether to root for him solely because he dons the green and white or to raise hell the way they did with John Idzik as written by John Healy of the New York Daily News.

It’s an interesting divide among Jets fans and we can only wait until the upcoming season to see which side was right.

Next: New York Jets: Top 5 Wide Receivers Of All-Time

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