The New York Jets wanted rookie Geno Smith to win the starting quarterback, but the West Virginia product has done his best to squander that opportunity.
Smith threw three interceptions in one half of the team’s third preseason game, which is often viewed as the most important preseason contest. He got the opportunity to start and played poorly. Here’s how his drives went:
- – 3 and out
– Touchdown
– 3 and out
– Interception on first play of drive
– Interception on 5th play of drive
– Punt (gained one first down)
– Interception on fourth play of drive
Smith forced throws into traffic, and he didn’t recognize when to throw the ball away when under pressure (a situation that led to his second interception). His first-half stats were 10-of-23 for 123 yards, one touchdown, and the three picks. The lord must have shined down brightly on Mark Sanchez, who will keep the starting job by default.
Ready for a stat that will blow you away? Smith’s three interceptions in one half are as many as he had through his first nine games with West Virginia last season (he finished with six total).
