The New York Jets quarterback competition didn’t gain much clarity on Friday night in the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. While Mark Sanchez opened the game as the starter with a pick-six, he was able to rebound and put together a very solid game — 10 for 13, with 125 yards and a touchdown.
Unfortunately for rookie Geno Smith, he was unable to get much of anything going.
Smith completed six of seven passes for just 47 yards. He continuously checked down and showed no ability to look down field and watch a play develop. While he was under center, the Jets totaled just one first down and all of their possessions ended with a punt which is not what you are looking for from a potential starter.
The preseason debut for Smith ended when he rolled his ankle during a rush to the sideline. Smith limped off of the field and that was the end of his night as third-stringer Greg McElroy marched on to the field.
If Smith is going to want to unseat Sanchez as the Jets starting quarterback, he is going to perform a lot better during the games.