Geno’s Strong Finish: Cause for Optimism, or Fool’s Gold?

[JetNation]

By Glenn Naughton

 

With two full NFL seasons under his belt, it’s fair to say that Geno Smith’s short time under center for the New York Jets has been a roller coaster ride with seemingly more deep drops than steep climbs.  In 29 career games, Smith has accounted for 32 touchdowns (25 passing/7 rushing) but has also turned the ball over 42 times (34 interceptions/8 fumbles lost), giving him a career record of 11-18 as a starter.

With the NFL being such a quarterback driven league, it should come as no surprise that the Jets have failed to make the playoffs in either of Smith’s two season’s as the offense has been among the worst in the NFL.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that this is happening in a time when the NFL is making life increasingly difficult for defensive backs to do their jobs as the league begs teams to put up big numbers. Despite rule changes that continue to benefit offenses, Smith has managed to throw more than one touchdown in a game just five times, while logging nine multi-interception contests.  Clearly this is a factor in the Jets finishing 29th and 28th in scoring respectively since Smith took the starting job.

Smith’s rookie season saw him struggle with consistency which led to an 8-8 record as the Jets traded wins for losses from weeks one through nine.  A late season tailspin following their up and down 5-4 start buried any playoff hopes as the Jets dropped three in a row.

Following the 5-4 start, Smith didn’t log a single touchdown pass while piling up six interceptions over the course of the next three games.  It was a discouraging development as the Jets had clearly hoped to see the quarterback show gradual improvement throughout the course of the season.

Smith’s worst performance came in a week twelve loss at home to the Miami Dolphins.  It was the final defeat of the three game losing streak, but even worse for Smith was that it was his fifth consecutive game without a touchdown pass.  He would complete only four passes that day on ten attempts, for just 29 yards.  A low point indeed, but by season’s end, it looked like it may have also been a turning point.

The final four games of the season would see Smith play his best football of the year.  He completed just under 59% of his passes (68-116) and threw four touchdowns and just one interception.  He also started to use his legs on a more regular basis, running the ball 31 times for 186 yards and 3 scores.  The result was a strong 3-1 finish, and a fan base that started to believe in the rookie as he headed in to year two.  That belief however, was short-lived as the 2014 season got under way.

This past season was more of the same inconsistent play for Smith, if not worse.  A strong opener against the lowly Oakland Raiders was followed by seven weeks of ugly offensive football.  From weeks 2 through 7, the Jets offense would put up 20 or more points just twice.  Once against the Green Bay Packers in week two which saw them score three first half touchdowns before being held to a FG in the second half. Then in week 7, a 27-25 loss to the Patriots was one of the Jets best offensive showings of the year, and they did it by relying heavily on the ground game as they attempted 43 rushes to 34 passes.

In an attempt to jump-start the offense, former GM John Idzik acquired wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks prior to the Jets’ week 8 home game against the Buffalo Bills.  Adding the speedy Harvin to a group that already included Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley and rookie Jace Amaro was supposed to give Smith a more balanced group of weapons, and therefore better chance to succeed, and the immediate returns a disaster.

Smith’s initial performance with Harvin on board was the worst of his career.  Buffalo would intercept Smith three times on just 8 pass attempts and were making it look easy.  The three interceptions outnumbered the two completions Smith would throw for as he was pulled in favor of veteran back-up Michael Vick. Given Smith’s performance, the Jets had no choice but to anoint Vick the starting quarterback for what would be just a few short weeks before Geno was called on to start once again.

Having had some time to watch from the sidelines, for the second season in a row Smith looked like a different quarterback in the closing weeks of a disastrous season.

Despite a bizarre week 13 matchup against the Dolphins in which the Jets allowed him to attempt just 8 passes through the games first 58 minutes, weeks fourteen through seventeen was a bit of deja vu.

In games against the Vikings, Titans, Patirots and Dolphins, Smith completed 65% of his passes as he went 71-109 through the air and appeared to clean up his turnovers as he tossed only two interceptions to go with six touchdowns.

His best performance of course came during the season finale, again in  Miami, when he earned a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3 by completing 80% of his passes (20-25) with three touchdowns and  no interceptions.

So Jets fans are treated to an instant replay.  A young quarterback with ball security issues shows dramatic improvement down the stretch of a lost season.  Was this simply a case of a player capitalizing against several teams whose season’s were essentially over with the year coming to a close, or did a light go on for Smith as his numbers would suggest?

Whatever the case may be, the Jets aren’t taking any chances.  Smith will come to training camp with a chance to prove himself, but Mike Maccagnan and company also made a trade for veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick while head coach Todd Bowles has said publicly that the Jets plan to bring in another quarterback at some point this offseason.

Should the Jets find that Smith has indeed improved dramatically at the quarterback position then he’ll likely be given the starting nod and an opportunity to grow under the watchful eye of Chan Gailey.

However, if his inconsistency in meaningful games continues, Smith will find himself once again watching from the sidelines with his future in Green and White as unpredictable as his play.

 

 

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[JohnnyLV]

The reason that Geno played better in the last four games of his first two seasons was a little bit the level of competition, but mostly the fact that our seasons were over and Rex stopped forcing his idiotic game plans on the offense, and Geno was allowed to play a little. THat is the reason.

[New York Mick]

He sucks

[dbatesman]

I don't think it matters. I'm not one for reading tea leaves, but both Maccagnan and Bowles sound pretty underwhelmed by him.

[BroadwayJets]

He has the tools and potential, not the mindset

[Il Mostro]

Geno statistically teases with his garbage time play, only to $hit the bed when games count and the pressure is on.  Perfect QB rating in a meaningless game, but two 0.0 ratings when games actually have impact on the season.  In between the extremes, he has generally sucked ass. The 3 INT first quarter performance was timeless -- more completions to the Bills than his own team, handing them the win in less than 15 minutes.  Zip damn fool's gold or tin, lead -- whatever. Watching him play for two seasons is more than enough for me.  Got to move on.

[JohnnyLV]

Geno statistically teases with his garbage time play, only to $hit the bed when games count and the pressure is on.  Perfect QB rating in a meaningless game, but two 0.0 ratings when games actually have impact on the season.  In between the extremes, he has generally sucked ass. The 3 INT first quarter performance was timeless -- more completions to the Bills than his own team, handing them the win in less than 15 minutes.  Zip damn fool's gold or tin, lead -- whatever.

 

You do realize he was specifically told to throw the ball to his first read open or not in that game?

[j4jets]

I watched him play appx 30 games. That's enough to know he's not going to get it. Ever.

Oh really? With Stephen Hill as his #1 receiver n David Nelson as his 2? Because when he had two NFL WRs (as Stephen Hill n Nelson are not active), he had a rather good finish against good defenses.

[Il Mostro]

You do realize he was specifically told to throw the ball to his first read open or not in that game?

 

 

Give me a friggin' break with the excuses.  Yeah, I am sure the coaches said: "if nobody's open make sure you throw it striaght to a Bills player.  No second reads." Sh*t, that is the only time he hit anyone on the hands.  Where the **** do the Geno apologists come up with this crap?  So, please tell us who sabotaged him in the Chargers game, also an uh-oh perfect 0.0.  Did the coaches mess with his watch, too?

[sirlancemehlot]

I've got to be fair.  I couldn't stand watching Geno play.  But his results, like Sanchez's in the preceding season, aren't really indicative of his value or lack of value.  He's probably hot garbage.  Sanchez is better, but not a franchise QB.  What they both had in common was a constantly changing offensive coordinator, zero receivers, no pass catching backs, a diminished offensive line and a spotty tight end.  Sanchez went to 2 AFCCG somehow.  It was due to a stellar supporting cast.  When Rex put his stamp on the team, he was all-defense all the time and the young, inexperienced QB's were forced to play in multiple offenses devoid of talent.  I'm not sure any QB not named Luck would have done much better.  that being said, this season looks brighter offensively.  If its Geno this season, we'll know if he is the pile of crap we all think he is, or just a kid overwhelmed in a bad situation.

[Joe Jets fan]

You do realize he was specifically told to throw the ball to his first read open or not in that game?

And you know this how?? Link please...

[chirorob]

I've got to be fair.  I couldn't stand watching Geno play.  But his results, like Sanchez's in the preceding season, aren't really indicative of his value or lack of value.  He's probably hot garbage.  Sanchez is better, but not a franchise QB.  What they both had in common was a constantly changing offensive coordinator, zero receivers, no pass catching backs, a diminished offensive line and a spotty tight end.  Sanchez went to 2 AFCCG somehow.  It was due to a stellar supporting cast.  When Rex put his stamp on the team, he was all-defense all the time and the young, inexperienced QB's were forced to play in multiple offenses devoid of talent.  I'm not sure any QB not named Luck would have done much better.  that being said, this season looks brighter offensively.  If its Geno this season, we'll know if he is the pile of crap we all think he is, or just a kid overwhelmed in a bad situation.

I don't think he's good.  But you are correct, he had nothing to throw to his rookie year, and not much his second.  An average line with poor guards, Decker was just a lot of the season, and Chris Johnson who wound up sucking a$$ as the 3rd down back.

 

You know why Matt Ryan was good as a rookie?  Pro Bowl WR, HOF tight end, good running game.   Shoot, even Peyton Manning had a HOF running back next to him, and Marvin Harrison on the roster.

[jetscrazey]

fool's gold

[Ken Schroy]

I think he will be a decent backup. But I am curious how he does with REAL coaching. He just might get 1 more year under center. You never know.

[drdetroit]

Geno is just an inconsistent. He actually played well in those games facing the pats did you see that gorgeous throw to Decker running an out with Revis covering. Then he shat himself facing inferior defenses

[Jetsfan80]

He did great at the end of '13 as well.  Time to move on.

[#27TheDominator]

I don't think that it is fool's gold because I don't think very many people see gold.  He has talent, but it looks like he isn't going to put it together.  If Gailey can't put some simple stuff together to use him and likes Fitzpatrick better right off the bat we know he is screwed.  Geno has upside and deserves to be in a competition, but thinking he will be okay because he played well in 4 garbage time games?  Nobody is that stupid.

[LionelRichie]

Geno is an NFL backup, nothing more.   He will follow in Clemens footsteps as a journeyman. 

[SAR I]

Fools gold.  We saw this same thing play out end of Year 1 and into Year 2, there is no Year 3.

 

SAR I

[j4jets]

Give me a friggin' break with the excuses. Yeah, I am sure the coaches said: "if nobody's open make sure you throw it striaght to a Bills player. No second reads." Sh*t, that is the only time he hit anyone on the hands. Where the **** do the Geno apologists come up with this crap? So, please tell us who sabotaged him in the Chargers game, also an uh-oh perfect 0.0. Did the coaches mess with his watch, too?

Oh yeah, let's pick his worst in which his #1 WR was banged up while he doesn't even know the name of his #2 WR, and come to a conclusion. If that's not enough, let's talk about his 2nd worst game in which his two starting WRs were Nelson n Salas (did I read that right??).

Let's also ignore the fact that he put his team in w inning position twice against the eventual SB champs if it weren't for two blocked last second FGs (talk about the odds!). Let's also totally ignore the fact that since he had two NFL caliber WRs, he played his best football while recording one of the very few perfect ratings of the year in the NFL.

Did I miss something or are you just passed he played really good football towards the end and messed up the draft slot? Cuz last I checked, hall of gamers n all pros and found through out the draft.

[j4jets]

I don't think that it is fool's gold because I don't think very many people see gold. He has talent, but it looks like he isn't going to put it together. If Gailey can't put some simple stuff together to use him and likes Fitzpatrick better right off the bat we know he is screwed. Geno has upside and deserves to be in a competition, but thinking he will be okay because he played well in 4 garbage time games? Nobody is that stupid.

Do you know why he played well in those "garbage time games"?

[#27TheDominator]

Do you know why he played well in those "garbage time games"?

 

 

Are you going to enlighten me?  Again.  He is not consistent.  If he were, he would be our surefire starter and we would not be trading for Fitzpatrick and contemplating Mariota, WInston, Hundley, Petty, and on and on.  I am really not interested in hearing the weapnz argument again.  I have defended the kid more than he deserves.  He earned a shot.  Nothing more, air quotes or not.

[Il Mostro]

He did great at the end of '13 as well.  Time to move on.

 

 

Exactly.  The late season tease, only to revert to form.

[peebag]

He'll have a full compliment of WRs this year and if he can't beat out Ryan Frigginfitzerneckbeard or a rooke qb - he'll be pumping gas back in Florida....

[Il Mostro]

Oh yeah, let's pick his worst in which his #1 WR was banged up while he doesn't even know the name of his #2 WR, and come to a conclusion. If that's not enough, let's talk about his 2nd worst game in which his two starting WRs were Nelson n Salas (did I read that right??).

Let's also ignore the fact that he put his team in w inning position twice against the eventual SB champs if it weren't for two blocked last second FGs (talk about the odds!). Let's also totally ignore the fact that since he had two NFL caliber WRs, he played his best football while recording one of the very few perfect ratings of the year in the NFL.

Did I miss something or are you just passed he played really good football towards the end and messed up the draft slot? Cuz last I checked, hall of gamers n all pros and found through out the draft.

 

 

You should be President of the "Could-a, Would-a, Should-a Club".  The road to another 4 win season is paved with the litany of excuses for Geno simply not being a competent NFL starting QB.  Fortunately, new Jets' management appears to worship at the altar of results.  

[Jet Life]

Fools gold

[AFJF]

You should be President of the "Could-a, Would-a, Should-a Club".  The road to another 4 win season is paved with the litany of excuses for Geno simply not being a competent NFL starting QB.  Fortunately, new Jets' management appears to worship at the altar of results.  

 

Re-watched the SD game recently and it was painful.  Geno was missing wide open receivers all over the field...had one 3rd &long play deep in Jets territory....receiver ran an in-route about fifteen yards down the field (easily first down range)...no defenders within ten yards of him and Geno checked down to Powell for a 3 yard gain and punt.

[Il Mostro]

Re-watched the SD game recently and it was painful.  Geno was missing wide open receivers all over the field...had one 3rd &long play deep in Jets territory....receiver ran an in-route about fifteen yards down the field (easily first down range)...no defenders within ten yards of him and Geno checked down to Powell for a 3 yard gain and punt.

 

 

Man, you are a glutton for punishment.

[Jetsfan80]

Re-watched the SD game recently and it was painful.  Geno was missing wide open receivers all over the field...had one 3rd &long play deep in Jets territory....receiver ran an in-route about fifteen yards down the field (easily first down range)...no defenders within ten yards of him and Geno checked down to Powell for a 3 yard gain and punt.

 

To be fair, that was the west coast.  According to his body clock it was like 2:30 AM or something.  Who can be expected to make throws in those conditions?

[AFJF]

Man, you are a glutton for punishment.

 

LOL...yes and no...to be honest I was doing it to work on a Gilchrist article.  Watched three or four of his games and figured I'd throw on the game against the Jets to look for any Geno observations and man was he horrible.

 

One play that highlighted Gilchrist's cover skills and Geno's Geno skills was a deep route by Cumberland.  He's one of the faster TE's in the league and Gilchrist was in his hip pocket the whole time...stride for stride he was right on him...Geno threw to Cumberland anyway and the pass appeared to hit Gilchrist in the head.  If he'd turned around it would've been an easy INT but great job of covering Cumberland.  Why Geno threw that pass...I have no idea.

[Maxman]

Man, you are a glutton for punishment.

 

Seriously. Rewatched = ouch, lol.

[Maxman]

Call me crazy but I think Geno Smith will be the starting QB next year, and I think he is going to be alright. I am not saying he will be great...but I think he will improve significantly from last year.

 

We will see a more mature Geno, being held accountable by the coaching staff will benefit someone like Geno greatly.  This offense is a good fit for him.

[JetBlue]

Call me crazy but I think Geno Smith will be the starting QB next year, and I think he is going to be alright. I am not saying he will be great...but I think he will improve significantly from last year.

 

We will see a more mature Geno, being held accountable by the coaching staff will benefit someone like Geno greatly.  This offense is a good fit for him.

You are crazy, lol. Seriously tho, I agree with you and we are definitely in the minority on this board .  I think the benching was the best thing that could have happened to him and he has to know that he will be on a short leash with this coaching staff since they have no allegiance to him.  He has better weapons and hopefully a better offensive line.  The defense should be able to get off the field on third down more consistently than under Rex which should lead to better field position.   He knows he has to take better care of the ball and make better decisions; now he just has to go out and do it. 

[JetBlue]

You should be President of the "Could-a, Would-a, Should-a Club".  The road to another 4 win season is paved with the litany of excuses for Geno simply not being a competent NFL starting QB.  Fortunately, new Jets' management appears to worship at the altar of results.  

Yep, and he will get his chance.  One thing they are smart enough to not do is just dump the guy.  Geno will sink or swim but he will be given an opportunity to win the job, whether fans like it or not. 

[Maxman]

You are crazy, lol. Seriously tho, I agree with you and we are definitely in the minority on this board .  I think the benching was the best thing that could have happened to him and he has to know that he will be on a short leash with this coaching staff since they have no allegiance to him.  He has better weapons and hopefully a better offensive line.  The defense should be able to get off the field on third down more consistently than under Rex which should lead to better field position.   He knows he has to take better care of the ball and make better decisions; now he just has to go out and do it. 

 

By taking the soft yards (running) instead of forcing passes, this offense will be much better. So many of his interceptions seem to come on 1st and 2nd down (I didn't look that up, just going from memory). But by focusing on not forcing passes, there is a lot of room for improvement.