Was this the end of the Geno Smith era for New York Jets?

[FringeNC]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...medium=twitter

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Geno Smith era (error?) for the New York Jets might be nearing its end.

Benched after just four series in the Jets' 43-23 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, Smith's time as starter of this 1-7 team is tenuous. He threw three interceptions and just two completions on his first 10 passes, forcing usually lax Jets head coach Rex Ryan to bench his second-year quarterback for the second time this season. Now 24 starts into his NFL career, Smith shows no signs of progress, no signs of turning into a franchise quarterback.

Instead, he struggles with fundamentals and still can't read a defense.

“We didn’t execute. We didn’t execute again. I say we [but] I’m talking about myself because it was just atrocious, the way that I started out. I never expected to start a game out like that,” Smith said. “I’ve got to make sure that I get better from that and don’t allow things like that to happen - put ourselves in those types of positions like that.”

Let's be clear that there have been plenty worse quarterbacks in the history of the NFL who have stuck around for a few seasons. And Smith did quarterback a team that went 8-8 in his rookie year last season. What Smith can't do is lead a team or win games on his own. Three interceptions on the game's first four drives shows that Smith's learning curve is perhaps steeper than anticipated.

Smith, by the looks of it, might never get there.

He came from an "Air-Raid" offense in West Virginia that masked his deficiencies. He'd throw to the hot read and let teammates like Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey rack up serious yards down the field. But on Sundays, in the face of collapsing pockets, Smith struggles with his decision-making and is pressured into poor throws. All three of his interceptions against the Bills could have been avoided.

The move to Michael Vick in Sunday's loss might show a shift amongst the coaching staff that could point the franchise in a different direction at quarterback, not just as they play out the rest of this year but moving forward.

It could be argued that the Jets haven't had a franchise quarterback – a true franchise quarterback – since Joe Namath left Broadway following the 1976 season. Yes, there has been Boomer Esiason and Vinny Testaverde and Chad Pennington since then, but the Jets have failed to groom a long-term answer under center for almost four decades now.

Smith was supposed to be that quarterback. Instead, he looks ready to be the latest failure at the position, even as the Jets don't know who will start come Week 9.

Head coach Rex Ryan wouldn't commit to Vick or Smith moving forward. Vick was 18-for-36 for 153 yards and had an interception along with two fumbles lost. Vick can improve on this performance, however. He has rarely received first-team reps this season. His 36 attempts on Sunday are the most he has had since Week 2 last year, when he was the starter with the Philadelphia Eagles. Ryan would only say about next week's decision at starting quarterback, “I have no idea, we'll look at that later.” But “later” might well cost Ryan his job.

If Ryan wants any shot to return to the Jets for a seventh season, he might need to go with Vick from here on out.

“Well, you know I wouldn’t like to repeat that, but if it does happen I have to use it to my best interest," Smith said. "I have to make it beneficial. Like I said, I never envisioned that happening because I do see myself as the starting quarterback and I honestly believe that I can turn things around myself to get this team going. But if those things do happen I have to learn from it and take those reps from the sideline and I have to do a good job of that.”

[alpha_omega]

Now 24 starts into his NFL career, Smith shows no signs of progress, no signs of turning into a franchise quarterback.

All true, but don't forget no signs of a good coach anywhere.

[bshmerlie]

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

If we put a thumping on the Jets I can see Rex Ryan getting the AX on Monday.

The thing is its not all Rex Ryan's fault. They have absolutely no talent on that team Accross the board...they suck.

As far a Geno Smith being dealt a bad hand being on a bad team. If he was on a good team I think he would still suck. He often makes poor decisions and poor throws. He's part of the problem.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by alpha_omega

All true, but don't forget no signs of a good coach anywhere.

Yep and he is part of the problem.

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by bshmerlie

The thing is its not all Rex Ryan's fault. They have absolutely no talent on that team Accross the board...they suck.

As far a Geno Smith being dealt a bad hand being on a bad team. If he was on a good team I think he would still suck. He often makes poor decisions and poor throws. He's part of the problem.

I don't see why the NYJ are such a "bad team" for Geno or any QB.

Their OL is middle of the pack... they have enough talent at receiver with Decker, Harvin, Kerley, Cumberland, and Amaro. They have a top 10 in the league punch with their 2 running backs in Ivory and CJ.

Not the talent that Denver has, of course... but not complete shit by far.

They also have a top 10 defense.. more so in run defense, but there are advantages to making a team 1 dimensional.

They have plenty of talent. The issue is... they can't have infinite patience for stupidity. If Geno could simply avoid the critical dumbassery.. but he so far looks unable to. People hate Alex Smith's cautious nature.. but frankly, if Geno had some of it.. he would likely still be the starting QB of a more successful NYJ team.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by bshmerlie

The thing is its not all Rex Ryan's fault. They have absolutely no talent on that team Accross the board...they suck.

That is absolutely not true.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Thanks, Brother.

Mother in law died in December from cancer. Wife is still struggling. My mom had a double mastectomy two months ago. Cancer, for some reason, wants to **** with my ladies.

At this point, all I can do is move forward.

Sorry to hear this, Dane. Truly very sorry.

But, welcome back.

[FlaChief58]

Bring him in for a look?

[Bufkin]

Originally Posted by Count Zarth

Heart was ripped out a month ago you stupid bastard.

"I admitted I was a cock sucking reerun last month bro bro, keep up with the times!"

[Bufkin]

Originally Posted by bshmerlie

The thing is its not all Rex Ryan's fault. They have absolutely no talent on that team Accross the board...they suck.

As far a Geno Smith being dealt a bad hand being on a bad team. If he was on a good team I think he would still suck. He often makes poor decisions and poor throws. He's part of the problem.

One of the best 3-4 defensive lines in NFL history as far as I'm concerned (Wilkerson/Harrison/Richardson). Decent stable of running backs, a couple of fringe All-Pro offensive linemen with Mangold and Wilkerson, and then the new 1/2 punch of Decker and Harvin is better than most teams. They aren't making the playoffs, but to say they have no talent is pretty dumb. Having shitty Geno Smith and QB Dog Killer as your signal callers isn't helping the situation though.

[King_Chief_Fan]

You have to laugh at the chuckle heads who thought the Geno Smiff would be KC's answer at QB....they couldn't look more ignorant

[vailpass]

Era?

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

You have to laugh at the chuckle heads who thought the Geno Smiff would be KC's answer at QB....they couldn't look more ignorant

Watched every pass attempt in his career at WV multiple times. I'm fine with the stance I came away with, and stick by it.

[Bufkin]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

Watched every pass attempt in his career at WV multiple times. I'm fine with the stance I came away with, and stick by it.

Or maybe you just suck at QB evaluation?

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by Bufkin

Or maybe you just suck at QB evaluation?

Not quite. But I have no reason to be ashamed by my conclusions considering the work I put in, along with many other NFL scouts who also thought Geno was a first round QB.

I guess I could've just watched the K State game and drew an entire conclusion of Geno Smith based off that one game like many other people. Or just went with whatever was being said by the media at the time and form my opinions through them. That'd be too easy though.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

Not quite. But I have no reason to be ashamed by my conclusions considering the work I put in, along with many other NFL scouts who also thought Geno was a first round QB.

I guess I could've just watched the K State game and drew an entire conclusion of Geno Smith based off that one game like many other people. Or just went with whatever was being said by the media at the time and form my opinions through them. That'd be too easy though.

Well you and those scouts were wrong about Geno. It is evident that GMs across the league didn't agree with those scouts either. With the issues he showed there was no way he was worthy of the a first round pick. I didn't think he would get drafted until the 3rd round because of his issues.