Geno Smith believes he is still the starting quarterback of the New York Jets
Geno Smith realizes he needs to improve on his rookie performance of 25 turnovers. (Richard A. Brightly/Icon SMI)
The New York Jets signed free agent quarterback Michael Vick this offseason and many believe it showed the team's lack of faith in Geno Smith, a second-round pick in last year's draft.
The thinking in league circles is that the Jets will roll with Vick as the team's starting quarterback for the 2014 season, but Smith seems to have a different view on how the competition will play out.
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Smith was asked if he believes he is still the starter; he answered with one word: "Yes."
"With the experience I've gained," Smith told the New York Daily News, "I feel like I'm more than capable of being the starter."
Smith does accept that he needs to continue improving as a player after a disappointing rookie campaign that included a whopping 25 turnovers, and he believes Vick can help him grow during the quarterback competition.
"I look forward to working with him," Smith said. "I look forward to competing with him as well. He's a veteran with tons of experience. ... He's played in many big games ... but I look forward to learning from him."
It is good for the Jets that Smith has confidence in himself, but it is unlikely he will emerge as the team's No. 1 quarterback -- if there is even a competition.
The Jets want to win now and head coach Rex Ryan will want to go with the quarterback who gives him the best shot at success this season, which would be the guy who has proven he can compete at the highest level of the sport. Without question, that is Michael Vick.
