Despite a shaky showing in his first NFL preseason, including three interceptions in his only preseason start, rookie second-round draft choice Geno Smith will be starting at quarterback for the New York Jets in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to reports.
The Jets had a preseason-long open competition for the job between Smith and Mark Sanchez, which the latter apparently had won before injuring his shoulder in Week 3 against the New York Giants. Now, Smith has been thrust in the role, while voices outside the organization have their doubts about both candidates.
Charley Casserly, a former NFL general manager had harsh words for Smith and was quoted by Newsday saying, "Sanchez outplayed Smith. Now, Sanchez was not perfect. In each of the games, he self-destructed. But Smith more than self-destructed when he had the opportunity to play. He's not ready to play.''
He went on to say that several problems Smith had in college resurfaced against the Giants in his big opportunity. "When I saw him in college, the problems I thought he had overcome, he showed them in the preseason: He held the ball, he was late on things, he forced things, he was inaccurate.''
Meanwhile, a former teammate of Sanchez's, LaDainian Tomlinson, thinks that the news of Smith's winning the role spells the end of Sanchez's career as a starting NFL quarterback.
"I don't think Mark will be a starter again in the NFL," LT said on Sirius XM Radio. "I think there's certainly potential for him to be a backup and then get a starting job for half the year or what have you that way. But I think his days as a full-time starter are pretty much over."
The quarterback position looks dire for Gang Green entering this season, but within the organization, people are projecting confidence. New offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg praised Smith by saying, "Geno's had an outstanding camp for a rookie.''
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie also said nice things about the new starter-- "Geno completed some passes that sometimes you don't expect a rookie to complete." Others on the team have said he's shown good command of the huddle and excellent poise.
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