Rookie Quarterback Shows Promise for Jets

Geno Smith is the future of the New York Jets. Despite the rollercoaster season the Jets have been having, the glimpses of light they have shown could be signs of a brighter future.

After beating the Saints at home on Sunday, they head into their bye week with a 5-4 record. Although the record doesn't seem quite that impressive, Geno Smith has done good things for the Jets in his rookie season.

Smith is inconsistent at times but has shown a lot of talent as a rookie quarterback. His ability to remain confident and lead the Jets' offense in tough situations is what makes him different than his predecessor, Mark Sanchez.

"I like him. He shows great poise and leadership. Yeah, he makes mistakes, but it even took LeBron [James] nine years to win a championship, so no one is perfect from the get go," Ramapo sophomore and Jets fan John Farella said.

Aside from Smith's abilities, part of the reason the Jets' offense has been stronger than last year is the new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

Their new west coast offensive style is fast paced, and the offensive line gives 23-year-old Smith time to make the proper decisions.

Overall, his stats are not outstanding but he has made some big plays and led the Jets to more than a few big wins.

He has started each of the Jets' nine games this season, posting an 8:13 touchdown to interception ratio and throwing for a total of 1,997 yards.

Smith has averaged 221.9 yards per game, 3.2 less than 24-year-old Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Despite being sacked 30 times, Smith has thrown six passes for longer than 40 yards and has 29 over 20 yards. However, Smith has a completion percentage of only 58.1, completing 158 of 272 attempts.

Smith ranks number 18 out of the National Football League's starting quarterbacks with 158 total completions. 

Smith, a 2012 graduate of West Virginia University, would like to see his NFL numbers resemble his college numbers a little more. In his senior year, he boasted a 71.2 completion percentage, making 369 of 518 attempts, for a total of 4,205 yards and a 42:6 touchdown to interception ratio.

He left West Virginia with a total of 11,662 passing yards and a 98:21 touchdown to interception ratio.

His college numbers were good enough to get him selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Jets with the 39th overall pick. 

The security of Smith's starting position in the future will likely be determined by the Jets' overall performance in the rest of Smith's rookie season.

cmay2@ramapo.edu