Geno Smith vs. Mike Vick: The Jets Have a QB Dilemma

Geno Smith was a turnover machine last year for the Jets, throwing 21 interceptions and fumbling four times, which placed him 2nd in the NFL in that dubious category, only behind Eli Manning of the Giants (31 turnovers: 27 interceptions, four fumbles).

Despite additional offensive weapons – signing receiver Eric Decker, drafting tight end Jace Amaro and signing running back Chris Johnson – Smith is still making crippling mistakes this season, and his errors are the primary reason the Jets are 1-2.

Smith, a second-year QB from West Virginia, was only a 2nd round pick, so expectations for him as a franchise QB were tempered from the outset, compared to AFC East 1st round picks Ryan Tannehill of Miami and EJ Manuel of Buffalo. Remember: Mark Sanchez would have been the starter in 2013 if not for the shoulder injury he suffered in the preseason after coach Rex Ryan inexplicably inserted him back into a meaningless game.

While Smith has shown a small improvement in a couple areas (completion percentage, sack rate), a 3-game sample size against the Raiders, Packers and Bears – three below-average defenses – doesn’t prove much. He remains frustratingly inconsistent, and his turnovers in the red zone have absolutely killed the Jets:

Week 1: Fumble at the Raiders 4-yard line
Week 2: Pass intercepted at the Packers 3-yard line
Week 3: Pass intercepted in the Bears end zone

Those are his most egregious mistakes, but Smith doesn’t discriminate, and turns the ball over in his end, too (see interception inside his own 35 against Oakland, and his pick-six against the Bears in the first minute on the third play of the game inside his own 45).

When will we see Smith’s backup, 34-year old Mike Vick?

How many more games will the Jets defense – allowing just 4.5 yards per play, 3rd in the NFL; 10 sacks, which is tied for 1st; permitting just 55.3 yards per game rushing, which is 1st – keep the team in the game, only to have Smith screw it up for them?

Yes, Smith obviously needs more time to mature as a QB, but how much time does Rex Ryan have? Ryan was given a stay of execution last year after magically getting the devoid-of-talent Jets to 8-8, and nearly into the playoffs. Full details of his contract still haven’t been made public, but it sounds like there are no guarantees beyond this year.

So who gives Rex Ryan the best opportunity now to win, Smith or Vick?

I think it’s up for debate. Something to keep in mind: Vick beat out Nick Foles for the starting job in Philly in 2013 before getting injured in their 5th game. And Vick is familiar with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg dating back to his days with the Eagles.

Ah, yes, the gripes about Mornhinweg. Why’d he bring Mike Vick in for a gimmick play in the red zone against the Raiders (liked it, didn’t work)? After such a brilliant first half against Green Bay, why’d the Jets go into a shell in the second half and look so inept? And yes, they were down 17-3 to the Bears, but why is Geno Smith throwing 43 times and running Chris Johnson/Chris Ivory only 20 times total?

Many questions. Many opinions.

My move: Start Geno Smith against the Lions. It’s a beginning of a brutal 4-game stretch against 2014 playoff contenders: at San Diego, home for Peyton Manning, then at New England follow.

But after Smith’s first turnover, I make the move to bring in Mike Vick. Not if the Jets can’t move the ball, only if he turns the ball over. I don’t care if it’s the first snap of the game – get him out of there. The signal will be sent: You can’t turn the ball over.

The Lions are a formidable defense, one that completely dominated the Packers (albeit at home). They will have prepared for Geno Smith, not Mike Vick. Perhaps that gives the Jets a tiny edge.

They’ll need it.

[Photo via Andy Mills, NJ.com]