New York Jets rookie QB Geno Smith: ‘I’m not Mark Sanchez’
By Jack Crosby
As they’ve struggled their way to a 5-5 record through 10 games, the New York Jets have used a rookie QB the majority of the way, West Virginia Mountaineers product, Geno Smith.
The Jets haven’t used a rookie under center since–well, since 2009.
Okay, it hasn’t been that long since Mark Sanchez led the Jets to within one game of the Super Bowl behind a punishing defense as a first-year player. Naturally, though, when Smith took over for Sanchez this season, just four years later, the comparisons were going to be rampant since everything is fresh in everyone’s minds.
But, with all the similarites–such as near identical completion percentages–Smith told ESPN New York that he’s not the man that he replaced:
"“No, I’m not Mark,” said Smith, almost bristling. “I don’t think it’s fair to compare his season to mine. It’s two different seasons, two different guys, two different players, two different styles, two different systems. I know you guys want to compare every single thing, but it doesn’t make a difference.”"