New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is extremely close to being benched, no matter what Rex Ryan says about him publicly. After throwing two interceptions in a fourth quarter loss to the Houston Texans last Sunday, Smith needs to protect the football against the San Diego Chargers or risk getting the hook. But he doesn’t want reporters asking him about it.
On Wednesday, Smith was asked if there would be any value in bringing Michael Vick into a game to provide a spark for the Jets. According to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News, the second-year starter became visibly frustrated and defensive.
“I don’t know what you’re trying to lead to with that question,” Smith said, interrupting a reporter. “Maybe that’s your opinion. What do you mean a spark? We’ve already put him in.”
When asked a follow-up question about Vick potentially becoming a wrinkle in New York’s offense, Smith got even more irritated.
“That doesn’t make sense,” he said. “What team do you see doing that?… That’s not a question. Next question.”
[Video: Geno Smith curses at heckling fan after loss]
It certainly was a question, and a valid one at that. Part of being an NFL quarterback and team leader is owning your mistakes. Considering he has thrown five interceptions in four games this season and 26 in 20 career games, Smith has made plenty of them. As Mehta noted, Smith has only had four turnover-free games in his career. The Jets have won all of them.
“I’ve played games without turnovers,” said Smith, who has won all four of his turnover-free games. “I’ve played games where I’ve had turnovers. Some we’ve won, some we’ve lost. Ultimately it’s about winning and making winning plays.”
Precisely, and if you’re not winning or making plays reporters have every right to ask you about it. Getting defensive just makes Smith sound immature, and that is the last thing he needs in the wake of the report we recently shared with you about his off-field behavior.
