What a whirlwind of events for the Jets organization during the pre-season of 2013. It starts with competitions for starting and backup roles and of course, the QB situation. Let’s keep in mind that we are less than a week away from either turning on our TV’s or actually attending NFL games in week 1. The Jets did turn people’s heads slightly, after finishing 3-1 in pre-season play. Unfortunately, records in the pre-season don’t reflect what the team can do in the regular season – ahem, Detroit Lions 2008, cough, cough.
Guys had to be cut to fulfil the roster quotas. Gang Green did so by cutting notable players Dan Carpenter, Greg McElroy, Joe McKnight, Mohamed Massaquoi and Antonio Garay. Rex Ryan did note that he didn’t dismiss the possibility of keeping 4 QB’s as of now, and has Graham Harrell under contract.
With injured Mark Sanchez sitting out to rehab his bruised joint, it is certain that Geno Smith will start against the Buccaneers on September 8. That doesn’t mean to claim Geno Smith on your fantasy team. It’s an observation to Rex Ryan and his coaching staff about whether to let him run the offense or to find an alternative after week 1. That “alternative” is probably leaning towards Matt Simms, who gallantly beat the Eagles with 285 passing yards and 33 for 44 completions. Ryan was approving his performance; “This young man has really improved now … oh, my goodness. Clearly, he has arm talent to play in the league. Quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody make the improvements he’s made.”
Of course every single QB on the Jets roster has to improve in several areas of their passing game. The Mark Sanchez of last year gave a field day to almost every team. Geno Smith threw 3 interceptions in the overtime win over the New York Giants. Matt Simms has no NFL experience and was often vulnerable by injuries to key receivers during his college tenure. But in the end, this 2013 season will be like a test drive for both Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith. If all goes wrong for both quarterbacks and a high draft pick, the Jets can dump both quarterbacks and still go for a top tier quarterback. Yes, Geno hasn’t played a down yet – I hate to sound pessimistic so early.
Presumably the Jets will lean extra heavy on their offensive line to help out their rookie quarterback. Geno Smith needs to watch plenty of tape to get a good read of the Buccaneers defense. The sole reason for sitting him against the Eagles was to rest his sprained ankle to prepare him for Week 1. Offensive Coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg reportedly told NFL insider he would prefer to start Geno Smith, even if Sanchez is healthy.
It will be interesting to see what Geno Smith will prove to the fans and media after the opening game at Met Life Stadium. The spotlight is on him now – it is New York after all the City That Never Sleeps.
J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets! This rollercoaster is getting pretty bumpy.
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