The New York Jets are once again deciding who to start at quarterback between Geno Smith and Michael Vick. Neither quarterback has had any success this season as the Jets sit at 2-9 on the year while being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Both quarterbacks played in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills and only mustered up three points. So who gets the start when there is no good option?
According to the New York Jets team Twitter account, Smith is getting the nod over Vick in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Rex Ryan met with both quarterbacks and decided on the change after Vick started the past three games for the team. Vick was benched during the loss to the Bills, but it was unknown if that change would be permanent or if he would get another chance at winning a game. Instead, Ryan is going Smith even though both quarterbacks are not having success right now.
Vick was steady in his first two starts. He did not turn over the ball and showed strong leadership in the huddle which was needed after players were getting weary of Smith. However, Monday night was bad for the veteran. Vick completed just 7 of 19 passes for 76 yards while taking five sacks. Now Smith will try and have better luck.
Regardless of what happens for the remainder of the season, both quarterbacks are facing uncertainties with their futures in the offseason. Vick is playing on an expiring contract and has told the media he prefers to sign with a team that gives him a chance to play, confident that he can start at quarterback for at least another three years. Smith has failed through two seasons so far with the Jets. New York must decide if he truly is the player of the future or not.
According to a number of NFL sources including NFL.com and ESPN.com, the Ryan era is coming to a close at the end of this season and so could the tenure of general manager John Idzik. If a new general manager and coach do step in, they could favor bringing in their own guy for the quarterback job. That would leave both Smith and Vick out and someone like Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston stepping in. Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett are also strong free agent options.
For now, the Jets will place their faith in Smith and hope the second-year pro can avoid the interceptions. Fantasy owners should avoid Jets players at all costs. Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley remain the best wide receiver options, getting plenty of targets. The issue is that those targets are not being caught. Chris Ivory is handling the ground game, but is averaging just 4.5 yards per carry. The rest of the season could be a long one for New York.
