Michael Vick was signed by the New York Jets to provide competition for Geno Smith, but so far the second-year quarterback is winning the battle.
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Smith will start the first preseason game for the Jets on Thursday when they take on the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jets spent the No. 39 overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft on Smith with the hopes and expectations that he would be the team’s future at the most important position in sports and after starting all 16 games as a rookie, is looking to keep his job as the starter.
Smith went 8-8 as a starter in his first season out of West Virginia and threw for 3,046 yards with 12 touchdowns with a 55.8 completion percentage, but he tossed 21 interceptions and was sacked 43 times. He also fumbled eight times, recovering three as the Jets must see a decrease in his turnovers and a reduction in sacks in Year 2.
In an effort to help Smith develop as a passer the Jets signed Eric Decker from the Denver Broncos to be his go-to target in the passing game and signed former 2,000-yard rusher, Chris Johnson, who was released by the Tennessee Titans.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan has never been shy about making bold predictions and believes the Jets will make the postseason this year, and if they do, the development of Smith will be a large reason for that.
Expect the leash for Smith to be fairly long and barring him falling completely on his face, Vick will be on the sidelines as a capable No. 2 who can spell Smith if he is injured while giving him veteran pointers throughout the season and serve as a tutor of sorts.