Neil Miller
Jets quarterback Geno Smith reacts after throwing an interception during Saturday's preseason game.
You didn't think the Jets' decision on a starting quarterback would go smoothly, did you?
After rookie Geno Smith basically handed Mark Sanchez the job with three interceptions and a boneheaded safety, the competition was turned upside down when Sanchez injured his right shoulder in the fourth quarter of the team's preseason 24-21 overtime victory over the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
It was an incredibly short-sighted decision by coach Rex Ryan to insert Sanchez into the game behind the second-team offensive line with 11 minutes 21 seconds left in regulation. Sanchez lasted two series, exiting after Giants tackle Marvin Austin delivered a bone-rattling hit to Sanchez that he could not get up from.
Sanchez had X-rays on the shoulder and will undergo an MRI exam today, according to a source. The source said Sanchez's shoulder was extremely sore. Sanchez left MetLife Stadium without speaking to reporters.
AP
Mark Sanchez stood on the sidelines with his shoulder wrapped after he left the game.
Ryan was defensive after the game when pressed on why he would put Sanchez in harm's way when he appears to be the team's best option at quarterback to start the season. Ryan said the Jets were trying to win the game, a dubious stance considering the cast of players around Sanchez. Ryan repeatedly said the Jets were competing and that is why he played Sanchez.
"Why compete period? We're there to win," Ryan said. "We had our starting offense out there for three quarters because we're trying to win the game. That's what we wanted to do. We're trying to compete. Injuries are part of the game. Obviously, we'll see the severity of Mark's injury and others as well. You can get hurt in practice."
Smith and the starting offense played into the fourth quarter. The rookie was a disaster in his first start and made it clear Sanchez needed to start Week 1 against the Buccaneers in two weeks. Smith went 16-of-30 for 199 yards with one touchdown and the three picks. He capped off his night by stepping out of the back of the end zone for a safety.
When the second-team offense prepared to take the field, it appeared Matt Simms would be at quarterback. He had his helmet on and was talking to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Then, Sanchez grabbed his helmet and warmed up hastily. He ended up completing 5-of-6 passes for 72 yards. He fumbled a shotgun snap to end his first series. Then, Austin ended his night with a brutal hit.
"I was hurt when I hit him, I felt it like in my chest," Austin said. "It was a pretty hard hit."
Even Austin was surprised Sanchez, who will make $8.75 million this season, was in the game at that point.
"They got a huge investment in him so I was a little surprised," Austin said. "I just looked at it as I got to go out there and get him."
Smith did not need much help from the Giants in blowing up his chances of winning the starting job cleanly. To steal Ryan's line … he was brutal.
After throwing a touchdown to Ben Obomanu, Smith's night went downhill. He threw a ball behind receiver Ryan Spadola and Giants cornerback Prince Amukamura picked it off. Smith threw another interception on the next drive, this one to Giants safety Stevie Brown who was playing deep and Smith's pass went right to him.
The turnover gave the Giants the ball at the Jets 23, but they were only able to muster a Josh Brown 40-yard field goal to make it 10-7.
Smith's third interception went to defensive end Justin Tuck on a terrible throw.
The turnovers overshadowed any good things that Smith did. Turnovers have been the Jets' biggest problem with Sanchez under center and Ryan desperately wants his team to stop turning the ball over.
"I think this is just another learning experience for me," Smith said. "Lots of teaching tape."
brian.costello@nypost.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment