Mark Sanchez might be out for the entire season after suffering a shoulder injury during the New York Jets' preseason. With their No. 1 quarterback out, does this mean the Jets' season is over as they have to rely on a rookie QB Geno Smith to lead their offense? I wouldn't give up all hope since Smith possesses the one thing the Jets have lacked over the past few years.
The running game provided a lot of the production when Sanchez was behind center, helping the Jets make back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. The reason why the Jets have struggled, aside from Sanchez being an average quarterback, is because they lacked a decent running game. Cue in Smith, and the Jets have a new dimension added to their quarterback position.
Not that 47 rushing yards are impressive, but Smith did it six attempts, averaging close to eight yards per carry. In fact, the only reason why the Jets even had the opportunity to win the game on Sunday was because Smith put the ball on the ground and wisely ran out of bounds. It was protocal with the game's circumstances; no time on the clock, team needing decent field positioning, no receivers open down field. Smith ran the ball and it paid now. This is something Sanchez does not do. If anything, with Sanchez behind center the game would have more than likely ended for the Jets with a sack or interception.
The Jets have to be smart about their play calling with Smith. Last year, they had a rushing quarterback in Tim Tebow and they blew that up horribly. With Smith, the Jets can use the option play, maybe incorporate the pistol offense instead of the wild cat formation that has gotten them nowhere as of late. The option play could once again make the Jets a dominant team on the ground. Smith doesn't have the best targets to hit down field anyways as Kellen Winslow finished with a game-high seven catches for 79 yards. Anyways, after Smith's three interceptions over the preseason, you would figure the Jets' best bet is for the QB to either hand the ball off or take it himself.
Last week, Smith had a good first career game at the NFL level. He finished with 256 yards passing, a touchdown and interception. Add the 47 rushing yards and the Jets have a quarterback who can give them 300 yards of offense on a bad day.
Does Smith make the Jets a favorite in the AFC East? Let's not get carried away. However, if the Jets' coaching staff can place Smith in the right situations and help by calling the right plays when necessary, the Jets could compete and challenge teams week after week.
Can they beat the New England Patriots? No.
