Geno Smith will show he is New York Jets' answer at quarterback

[GREENBEAN]

 

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Geno Smith will show he is New York Jets' answer at quarterback

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• By Gil Brandt
• NFL Media senior analyst
• Published: March 5, 2014 at 12:36 p.m.
• Updated: March 5, 2014 at 01:49 p.m.
• 78 Likes  |  33 Comment

 

 

 

A year ago at this time, the New York Jets' quarterback situation seemed dire. Coming off a 6-10 season in which they'd floundered with the likes of Mark Sanchez, Greg McElroy and Tim Tebow filling the depth chart, they had to do something. So they picked Geno Smith in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Just a few months later, Sanchez went down in a preseason game with what proved to be a season-ending injury, opening the door for Smith to become the starter -- and a roller coaster of an 8-8 campaign ensued, filled with dizzying ups and downs. While Smith had his moments, doubts surely still remain about the West Virginia product's ability to be the long-term solution in New York.

As the rest of the NFL looks toward free agency and the draft, the casual observer would be forgiven for wondering just where the Jets stand at one of the game's most important positions. Should Gang Green press forward with Smith or hit the reset button once more?

With that in mind, let's break down the Jets' quarterback picture, one question at a time.

How did Geno Smith really do last season?

 

 

The simple answer is that he helped a Jets squad that was hampered by a woeful lack of receiving talent win eight games, including three of four to close the season. Of course, he also threw almost twice as many interceptions (21) as touchdown passes (12), finished with a league-low passer rating of 66.5 and was sacked 43 times. He had highs (throwing for 199 yards and three touchdowns while recording a career-best passer rating of 147.7 in a 30-28 win over Atlanta in Week 5) and definite lows (completing 38 percent of his passes while giving up six picks and eight sacks in a momentum-killing three-game losing streak that stretched into December).

Overall, I saw him grow a lot during the season. I think he was underprepared for the NFL coming out of college and made some careless mistakes with the football in the early going. He had to learn how to better read opposing defenses -- which one can really only do by way of experience. But I think he cleaned things up as the year wore on and seemed to play with enthusiasm even into the final weeks of the season. He also showed an encouraging ability to be a threat to run. I talked to several people in the Jets organization who think the guy made giant strides, and I have to agree.

What's the next step with him?

I would imagine the Jets will put a lot of energy into working with Smith this offseason. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who is very good, will spend a lot of time with him, although most of the work won't come via the blackboard -- it'll be about actually doing it. Organized team activities and training camp will be key; Smith must really pay attention and continue learning so that he's ready to take a huge step forward in the preseason. 

Smith has talent, as one could see at West Virginia, where he completed 71 percent of his passes in 2012; he merely needs to keep developing it. Ninety percent of a quarterback's chance to succeed comes down to his work habits. If Smith keeps working hard, mastering where to throw the ball and when to toss it out of bounds -- as opposed to forcing it -- he has a future in this league.

So the Jets shouldn't blow everything up and start over?

 

I don't think so. In fact, I don't even think this is necessarily a make-or-break season for Smith, who has a lot of things going for him -- like, for example, his mobility, without which he probably would have been sacked about 10 more times last season, or the presence of Mornhinweg, who knows all the intricacies of footwork and ball placement.

Remember, I think a lot of Smith's struggles in 2013 stemmed from factors beyond his control, like the dearth of offensive weapons and the learning curve that comes with throwing the football in windy MetLife Stadium. Yes, he needs to show improvement, like bringing his touchdown-to-interception ratio in line, but I have faith that he'll make progress. Ultimately, I'd be patient with him until we're deep into his third year, though I wouldn't be surprised if he helps turn the Jets around sooner than that, especially if New York has a great draft.

Speaking of the draft, should New York add a young QB to compete with Smith?

No, I wouldn't do that at this point, either -- and I don't think they're going to. I wouldn't want to have Smith looking over his shoulder, fearing that he might be benched as soon as he makes a mistake. Very few people in Smith's shoes would be able to truly thrive under such circumstances. Whenever you bring in a young quarterback as your No. 2, he automatically becomes the fan favorite, as the Jets likely saw to some degree when Smith himself was drafted last year.

I might consider taking a late-round flier on a developmental prospect like Southern Methodist quarterback Garrett Gilbert, but I wouldn't want to spend a high-value pick on someone with the idea that he'll be able to challenge Smith for starts in 2014. The potential drawbacks would outweigh the benefits at this juncture.

But the Jets have to bring in someone to help, right?

Yes, as we saw last season, when the Jets had no one to turn to but Matt Simms as an alternate to Smith, quarterback depth -- preferably of the veteran variety -- is crucial. The team would do well to meet this need via free agency. That said, the Jets should be looking for the right personality, someone who wants to contribute in the league but whose ego won't prevent him from embracing a role as Smith's mentor. This player must have a special feel for this sort of thing, enabling him to engender chemistry -- not friction -- with Smith. The realities of this role might limit New York's options somewhat.

 

 

Consider Matt Cassel. On the one hand, he'd be the perfect choice, as he can step in and play if necessary, and he's also the kind of quality individual who wouldn't be second-guessing anyone about roster moves. Of course, while he might be capable of serving as a solid veteran backup, I don't think he's interested; I think he wants to start. The same could be said for Michael Vick, who wants to be out on the field and not sitting on the bench.

Josh McCown would seem to be the best fit for what the Jets should be looking for. The 34-year-old played well when called upon to fill in for an injured Jay Cutler last season, and he didn't balk at the prospect of giving the job right back to Cutler as soon as he was healthy. He's a very smart guy who knows exactly how he can help his team. Provided the Jets could lure him to New York to play that role, he'd be the perfect choice to help Smith learn the nuances of the game.

At the end of the day, are the Jets better off at QB than they were at this time last year?

Yes, absolutely. As the Sanchez era continues to recede into the past, the Jets will be moving forward with a quarterback who has real potential. Geno Smith definitely has what it takes to become a solid player for New York one day. In fact, I could even see him leading Gang Green to a winning season in 2014.

Follow Gil Brandt on Twitter @Gil_Brandt.

 

 

[Sully80]

[Il Mostro]

Old man Gil, is you cray?

[T0mShane]

[joewillie78]

Gil, line 3, PHIL SIMMS wants to talk to you about your comments on his son.

[SenorGato]

Yeah, no sh*t. I consider this "bring in a competent veteran and draft a young guy" thing a formality. I would do both those things, not necessarily with the thought that Geno Smith can't be or outright isn't the answer at QB. Bringing in more QBs is just the smart thing to do. Use Mornhinweg while you have him and try to build some depth. 

[GREENBEAN]

I am one to say that until we give Geno a real cast of talent around him that judgment should be withheld. I am also one who despises the mentality of blowing it all up every 3-4 years and starting over. In this case one year.

bring in a competent back up QB and get the guy some weapons. I'd like to see Ebron in the First and Amaro in the second after signing James Jones in FA and maybe another mid tier WR in FA or 3rd-4th rd to fight with Salas, Gates (who is most likely gone) and Hill. That would compliment Nelson and Kerly well IMO.

 

Let Geno play and play with actual Talent.

[T0mShane]

I'm surprised Gil didn't relate the story about the time his 1926 Austin Redlegs signed Crazy Arm MacGillicuddy to compete with ol' Tin Can Crawford. It took $26 dollars to lure Crazy Arm away from that ol' cotton mill.

[ozzieny]

I like Gil Brandt. I listen to him on the NFL Network radio all the time. BUT he is OLD and a historian.  The game has changed dramatically and Gil is accustomed to his old ways.  Giving Eugene full and autonomous control of the QB position without any real competition is just stupid and short sighted.  If Eugene is what Brandt thinks then he would outplay any and all others brought in.  Who gives a flying **** if Eugene has to look over his shoulder.  What is he a lil biatch?  Oh yeah he is.

[joewilly12]

I believe in Geno Smith.

[Villain The Foe]

dogecoin!

[ozzieny]

I am one to say that until we give Geno a real cast of talent around him that judgment should be withheld. I am also one who despises the mentality of blowing it all up every 3-4 years and starting over. In this case one year.

bring in a competent back up QB and get the guy some weapons. I'd like to see Ebron in the First and Amaro in the second after signing James Jones in FA and maybe another mid tier WR in FA or 3rd-4th rd to fight with Salas, Gates (who is most likely gone) and Hill. That would compliment Nelson and Kerly well IMO.

 

Let Geno play and play with actual Talent.

You make it sound like these guys aren't in the NFL.  Nelson was a quality WR last year, in fact he did such a fine job he was RESIGNED.  Kerley also had a fine year. 

And Cumberland was one of the best TE's value wise in the NFL. http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/TE   His overall numbers sucked because Eugene couldn't get him the ball.  I understand Eugene was thrown into the fire but so were other rookie QB's who played with promise and were lights out. 

[BroadwayJoe12]

You make it sound like these guys aren't in the NFL.  Nelson was a quality WR last year, in fact he did such a fine job he was RESIGNED.  Kerley also had a fine year. 

And Cumberland was one of the best TE's value wise in the NFL. http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/TE   His overall numbers sucked because Eugene couldn't get him the ball.  I understand Eugene was thrown into the fire but so were other rookie QB's who played with promise and were lights out. 

 

Nelson was signed to a two year contract, thus he was always signed through the end of next season.  Using FO's DYAR to prove how bad Geno was is not going to really do you any favors, as they are unable to separate the performance of the QB from the performance of the TE.  If you look at Cumberland, Kerley and Nelson's DYAR, it helps to show that when you put an actual NFL-caliber receiver or TE on the field, Geno can have some success with them. But if you give him the Clyde Gates' of the world, the numbers suffer.

[ozzieny]

Nelson was signed to a two year contract, thus he was always signed through the end of next season.  Using FO's DYAR to prove how bad Geno was is not going to really do you any favors, as they are unable to separate the performance of the QB from the performance of the TE.  If you look at Cumberland, Kerley and Nelson's DYAR, it helps to show that when you put an actual NFL-caliber receiver or TE on the field, Geno can have some success with them. But if you give him the Clyde Gates' of the world, the numbers suffer.

Wrong. It shows you how effective a WR or TE can be when he gets the ball.  If you cant get the ball to the WR or TE then they have no chance.  Cumberland's DYAR was 9th best among TE's - problem is Eugene just couldn't get Cumberland the ball more since he is such an inept QB.  Cumberland practically disappeared after the first quarter of the year when Eugene was melting down like the wicked witch of the west.  But of course, its not Eugene's fault. Its because he doesn't have any 'weapons'   

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aopdD9Cu-So

 

 

 

[BroadwayJoe12]

Wrong. It shows you how effective a WR or TE can be when he gets the ball.  If you cant get the ball to the WR or TE then they have no chance.  Cumberland's DYAR was 9th best among TE's - problem is Eugene just couldn't get Cumberland the ball more since he is such an inept QB.  Cumberland practically disappeared after the first quarter of the year when Eugene was melting down like the wicked witch of the west.  But of course, its not Eugene's fault. Its because he doesn't have any 'weapons'   

 

The performance of a receiver and the quarterback are inextricably linked in DYAR, so either you are proposing Cumberland is a top 5 TE in this league  without Geno or Geno did a decent job of getting him the ball when he was actually on the field.  It's no mystery that Geno struggled mightily, but when Cumberland and Kerley were healthy, he looked like a different QB.  Would Cumberland be a top 5 TE with someone like Brees or Brady throwing him the ball? I doubt it.  It's far more likely that Geno looks better throwing to actual NFL talent than Cumberland being one of the best TEs in the league.  He has a lot of talent and that's the type  of players you need to surround your QB with, regardless of who it is. 

[LionelRichie]

there are 2 separate issues here:

 

1 - the jets had absolutely no weapons on offense

 

2 - geno stunk

 

The question is, how much did geno stink because of the "lack of weapons?"    

 

The best approach is "all of the above".    Use the draft and FA to add 2 starting wr's, TE, and improve the OL.     Let Rex earn his money as DC and let him work with what's available.      I'd still like to see Cousins for a 3rd rd pick to compete with Geno but either way the weapons need to be there.   

 

Once the offense is built around the QB, then if Geno doesn't work out the Jets can find someone next year.    Look at guys like Hoyer and McCown.   They are career journeymen who looked like all-pro's once they had top talent around them.  

[ozzieny]

The performance of a receiver and the quarterback are inextricably linked in DYAR, so either you are proposing Cumberland is a top 5 TE in this league  without Geno or Geno did a decent job of getting him the ball when he was actually on the field.  It's no mystery that Geno struggled mightily, but when Cumberland and Kerley were healthy, he looked like a different QB.  Would Cumberland be a top 5 TE with someone like Brees or Brady throwing him the ball? I doubt it.  It's far more likely that Geno looks better throwing to actual NFL talent than Cumberland being one of the best TEs in the league.  He has a lot of talent and that's the type  of players you need to surround your QB with, regardless of who it is. 

What I'm saying is Cumberland has the potential to be a top TE.... had good numbers for the times he TOUCHED the ball as did Kerley. Put him on a team with a QB like Brady, Bress and he puts up big numbers.  His DYAR numbers were 9TH BEST.  But it takes a QB to GET THEM THE BALL for their numbers to rank among the more prolific receivers.  Cumberland was only thrown the ball a few times a game. In fact, during Eugene's dry spell, Cumberland was practically non-existent, as was every wr on the Jets because Eugene just cant read defenses.  DVOA means a tight end with more value per play. In fact,  Cumberland had the 2nd best DVOA amongst TE's.    

[ozzieny]

there are 2 separate issues here:

 

1 - the jets had absolutely no weapons on offense

 

2 - geno stunk

 

The question is, how much did geno stink because of the "lack of weapons?"    

 

The best approach is "all of the above".    Use the draft and FA to add 2 starting wr's, TE, and improve the OL.     Let Rex earn his money as DC and let him work with what's available.      I'd still like to see Cousins for a 3rd rd pick to compete with Geno but either way the weapons need to be there.   

 

Once the offense is built around the QB, then if Geno doesn't work out the Jets can find someone next year.    Look at guys like Hoyer and McCown.   They are career journeymen who looked like all-pro's once they had top talent around them.  

That is a ridiculous argument. Hoyer has been around for years as has McCown.  Hoyer studied under Brady for years and McCown is damn near 35 years old. He is a seasoned veteran.  His success cannot be solely attributed to the talent around him. and what team has an IDEAL offense.  Even the Broncos who were blasting through the league had flaws in their offense.  You are rationalizing beyond the yellow brick road.   

[Jetknowledge]

You make it sound like these guys aren't in the NFL. Nelson was a quality WR last year, in fact he did such a fine job he was RESIGNED. Kerley also had a fine year.

And Cumberland was one of the best TE's value wise in the NFL. http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/TE His overall numbers sucked because Eugene couldn't get him the ball. I understand Eugene was thrown into the fire but so were other rookie QB's who played with promise and were lights out.

Fitzgerald played with ducks at qb and still produced. So what excuse do you have for the guys who couldn't produce more then kerley and his numbers were TERRIBLE. Seriously?

[ozzieny]

Fitzgerald? Seriously? You're talking about a guy who when all is said and done will probably go down as the greatest WR to ever play in the NFL.

He'd make Porky Pig (AKA Eugene) look good.

[BroadwayJoe12]

What I'm saying is Cumberland has the potential to be a top TE.... had good numbers for the times he TOUCHED the ball as did Kerley. Put him on a team with a QB like Brady, Bress and he puts up big numbers.  His DYAR numbers were 9TH BEST.  But it takes a QB to GET THEM THE BALL for their numbers to rank among the more prolific receivers.  Cumberland was only thrown the ball a few times a game. In fact, during Eugene's dry spell, Cumberland was practically non-existent, as was every wr on the Jets because Eugene just cant read defenses.  DVOA means a tight end with more value per play. In fact,  Cumberland had the 2nd best DVOA amongst TE's.    

 

That's my exact point. Disregarding his injuries, teams clearly saw that Cumberland was one of the few players on the Jets' offense that could hurt them. It's no  surprise that when teams started to game-plan for Cumberland, in addition to Kerley's injuries, Geno went through his roughest stretch of the season.  It's also no surprise that when the team was fairly healthy, he had his best quarter of the season.  No one is anointing him the prodigal son, just that he showed improvement and it would be a boon for the Jets if he does develop into an average to above average QB.  Again, this shouldn't and won't stop them from bringing in a QB to develop and hopefully challenge Geno in the coming season.

[ozzieny]

That's my exact point. Disregarding his injuries, teams clearly saw that Cumberland was one of the few players on the Jets' offense that could hurt them. It's no  surprise that when teams started to game-plan for Cumberland, in addition to Kerley's injuries, Geno went through his roughest stretch of the season.  It's also no surprise that when the team was fairly healthy, he had his best quarter of the season.  No one is anointing him the prodigal son, just that he showed improvement and it would be a boon for the Jets if he does develop into an average to above average QB.  Again, this shouldn't and won't stop them from bringing in a QB to develop and hopefully challenge Geno in the coming season.

Not true. Cumberland was more effective at the beginning of the season.  In the middle he disappeared because Eugene was just horrible.

[BroadwayJoe12]

Not true. Cumberland was more effective at the beginning of the season.  In the middle he disappeared because Eugene was just horrible.

 

Coming off five games where he totaled 240 yards and 2 tds, he hurt his hamstring, missed most of that week of practice and then got concussed during that week's game. He missed the following game and that coincided partly with Kerley and Holmes' injuries, which was not surprisingly during Geno's rough stretch.  Cumberland started to produce the last three games at the same pace he was during weeks 3-8.  I'm done with this, you've made up your mind on a 2nd round QB after one single year, there's no real arguing with that.  What I find funny is how you're willing to bring in McCown, who sucked for the better part of a decade, but feel that a rookie QB has pretty much hit his max after one year and are ready to write the book on him.

[ozzieny]

Coming off five games where he totaled 240 yards and 2 tds, he hurt his hamstring, missed most of that week of practice and then got concussed during that week's game. He missed the following game and that coincided partly with Kerley and Holmes' injuries, which was not surprisingly during Geno's rough stretch.  Cumberland started to produce the last three games at the same pace he was during weeks 3-8.  I'm done with this, you've made up your mind on a 2nd round QB after one single year, there's no real arguing with that.  What I find funny is how you're willing to bring in McCown, who sucked for the better part of a decade, but feel that a rookie QB has pretty much hit his max after one year and are ready to write the book on him.

I don't find it funny. I find it sadly pathetic.

[Stonehands]

I still think that when you compare college resumes and god given talent, Bridgewater is the only QB in this draft that is more desirable than just sticking with Geno.  The guy put up sick numbers in college and is extremely athletic with a gun of an arm.  People want to say that his stats were created by his receiving talent and then in the same breath lust after Mettenberger who played with Beckham and Landry and couldn't hold Geno's jock in comparison.

[jgb]

i wonder what kerley's numbers would've looked like if he was playing the slot for the pats last year. not like teams were distracted by studs on the outside and edelman had a career year. kerley probably would've had 100 catches.

[Klecko73isGod]

Not true. Cumberland was more effective at the beginning of the season.  In the middle he disappeared because Eugene was just horrible.

 

Does it bother you at all that your whole "Eugene" thing isn't catching on?

[JiFtheOracle]

 

[joewillie78]

Does it bother you at all that your whole "Eugene" thing isn't catching on?

I love the "Eugene" schtick, almost as good as the dude with the Coors Light.

[Klecko73isGod]

I love the "Eugene" schtick, almost as good as the dude with the Coors Light.

 

You would. 

[GREENBEAN]

You make it sound like these guys aren't in the NFL.  Nelson was a quality WR last year, in fact he did such a fine job he was RESIGNED.  Kerley also had a fine year. 

And Cumberland was one of the best TE's value wise in the NFL. http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/TE   His overall numbers sucked because Eugene couldn't get him the ball.  I understand Eugene was thrown into the fire but so were other rookie QB's who played with promise and were lights out. 

I think I said pretty clearly that adding talent to compliment Kerly and Nelson is what I would like to see them do. I'm not sure if your response was considering what I actually said. 

 

The other point I was making is that I think we should give Geno (or Eugene as you prefer to call him) more than one rookie season with subpar talent (no matter what Cumberlands "value" is) while adjusting to the Pro game to see why he has to offer.

He showed me enough to warrant another go at this. I would like to see viable competition of course but would like to see the Jets surround him with more than good value guys. 

[Jetfanincanada]

I love the "Eugene" schtick, almost as good as the dude with the Coors Light.

 

You post a lot, and I mean A LOT

[joewillie78]

You post a lot, and I mean A LOT

Is their a quota?

[Jetfanincanada]

Is their a quota?

 

apparently not.......

[joewillie78]

apparently not.......

I stopped posting a lot at one time, and was reprimanded by the administration. They were getting overrun with complaints that I wasn't posting enough. A lot of pressure on me you know.