Jets' Woody Johnson: Geno Smith 'can be a franchise quarterback'
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson said he thinks Geno Smith can be a franchise quarterback, ESPN's Rich Cimini reports.
Smith has completed 60.3 percent of his passes this season for 922 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. He has started all 20 games for the Jets since being a second-round pick in the 2013 draft and has a 9-11 record as a starter.
"I have a lot of confidence in Geno. I think Geno can be a franchise quarterback, I really do."
The Jets have lost three straight games after a season-opening win. During last week's loss to the Lions, the crowd chanted for backup Michael Vick, and Smith reportedly cursed at a heckler as he left the field. He also fired back at the media on Wednesday for questions about Vick being used as a "spark."
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Jets coach Rex Ryan said earlier this week he is not going to bench Smith despite the team's slow start to the season. "I'm not gonna replace him," Ryan said. "I feel good about Geno, and again, I think he's gonna get it turned. He's a tough, resilient young man, and I think we're gonna win."
New York is 11th in the league in total yards, but only 21st in passing yards per game. They are tied for 25th in the NFL in points per game at 19.8.
The Jets travel to San Diego to play the Chargers on Sunday.
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- Paul Palladino
