New York Jets desperate to bench Mark Sanchez
By Mike Dyce
The New York Jets quarterback competition hasn’t been resolved. The Jets aren’t thrilled with Mark Sanchez who produced 26 turn overs last season and the question is really whether Geno Smith is up to speed yet and ready to step in.
ESPN New York writes:
"By starting Geno Smith Saturday night against the New York Giants with a plan to play him for at least a half, the Jets are handing the rookie quarterback a gold-plated opportunity to claim the starting job.This is the third preseason game — closest thing to the regular season — and coaches don’t like to waste reps on players who can’t help the team. They’re giving Smith two to three quarters because they believe he has a legitimate chance to unseat Mark Sanchez."
Head coach Rex Ryan explained that Smith was being given the opportunity because he had to sit out the second game due to an ankle injury. The Jets could have just settled on Mark Sanchez and worked on some continuity on offense in that third preseason game, instead they’re giving Smith the start.
It seems like the Jets are going out of their way to give a rookie quarterback with 14 preseason snaps a shot at unseating an NFL veteran. That’s because ESPN NY says the Jets are “desperate to put Sanchez on the bench.”