The New York Jets boast a defense that is basically capable of propelling the team into the postseason, but the franchise would almost certainly be a contender if quarterback Geno Smith could be an average player.
However, according to Marcus Mehta of the New York Daily News, Smith is shooting for something higher than middle of the pack.
“I don’t want to be average at all. That’s never the goal.”
Smith admitted that having a stellar defense has helped him realize that big plays can sometimes wait. After all, a punt is markedly better than an interception. Smith said:
“There’s a handful of plays that you shouldn’t make during a game. I’ve had the experience in two years realizing that sometimes you don’t have to force it. Sometimes you can just pull it down and live to play another play and let your defense win the game. Then there’s other situations where you’ve got to make the play.”
During his first two NFL seasons, the West Virginia product found himself launching passes that should never leave his hand. Smith tossed 34 interceptions compared to just 25 touchdown passes, wildly misfiring and missing receivers all over the field.
However, the 24-year-old is now in a better position to succeed. New York added Eric Decker and Jace Amaro last offseason then acquired Brandon Marshall and Devin Smith this year, so the quarterback is surrounded by weapons that can alter the course of his career.
Smith will have his first opportunity to showcase his new-and-improved decision-making ability when the Jets open their four-game preseason slate on Thursday, Aug. 13, against the Detroit Lions.
For New York’s sake, hopefully Smith’s 2015 debut is at least average.
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