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New York Jets owner: Geno Smith can still be franchise quarterback

Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) carries the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Lions won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) carries the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Lions won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

As football fans everywhere call for New York Jets’ quarterback Geno Smith to be replaced by Michael Vick, the team is standing by their guy.

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Jets coach Rex Ryan has already said that Smith will remain the starter. Now, the team’s owner, Woody Johnson, is speaking out in support of Smith, claiming the second-year signal caller can still be a franchise player.

From ESPN New York:

"“I think Geno can be a franchise quarterback, I really do,” Johnson told reporters Thursday before practice. “I see traits in him — we all see traits in him — that are extremely positive. There’s room for a lot of optimism.”"

Still, Johnson did criticize Smith, specifically for his profane outburst directed towards fans after New York’s loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 4.

The Jets drafted Smith with the No. 39 pick out of West Virginia in the 2013 NFL Draft.  Smith has thrown for 922 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions so far this season.

Smith and the Jets face off against the San Diego Chargers in Week 5. Though New York is expressing confidence in Smith, one has to wonder if the team will consider pulling him against San Diego if he struggles.

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