Geno Smith has had a disastrous start to his 2014 season, leaving many to speculate what his future looks like with Gang Green. Smith was benched for the second time this season during the 43-23 loss on Sunday to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Rex Ryan decided to pull the plug on Smith late in the first quarter after the second-year quarterback threw his third interception of the day. Smith completed only two of eight pass attempts for a total of five yards.
The Jets' back-up, veteran Michael Vick, took over for Smith in the waning minutes of the first quarter. Vick, 34, has only seen limited action this year, but got his opportunity today, and should get next week's start. Although not over-whelmingly impressive, Vick held his own in back-up duty for the Jets. Vick completed 18 of 36 passes for 153 yards. He played very well early on sparking a Jets touchdown drive early in the second quarter, though came back to earth, turning the ball over three times.
Michael Vick deserves to be the quarterback for the Jets in Week 9. Everyone has seen what Geno Smith can do, and it's throw interceptions. Although Rex Ryan still believes in Smith, the fans have seen enough. Vick received a standing ovation when he entered the game, and that should say enough for itself. Fans want a spark, and a product on the field that they can enjoy watching, and that is not Geno Smith. An NFL team cannot have a turnover machine as their franchise quarterback.
Vick is obviously not the answer for the future, but he should be the answer for the present. Everyone has seen enough of Geno Smith, and if the Jets' goal is to win, the veteran Mike Vick is the best option.
Smith ranks 39th in quarterback rating in the NFL (among quarterbacks with 50 completions) and 26th in passing yards. He is second in the NFL in turnovers (ten interceptions and three fumbles).