Jets' Geno: I Will Be Starting Against Oakland On Sunday
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Geno Smith is suffering through a brutal stretch, but he still gives the Jets the best chance to win.
That's the logic the Jets handed out Tuesday when the rookie quarterback informed the media that he'd be back under center Sunday when the Oakland Raiders Raiders visit MetLife.
Smith, who was benched at halftime of Sunday's abysmal 23-3 loss to visiting Miami, said he was told of the decision by quarterbacks coach David Lee.
"If [the benching] was a tactic to wake me up or get me going, it definitely worked," Smith told reporters Monday.
Head coach Rex Ryan said he's thinking of his team's dwindling playoff chances.
"If we're just looking at that tape, the option doesn't look that good for either guy. But it's more than that. He's our best shot. I believe in Geno. I think he has the tools to be a good quarterback in this league," Ryan said. "His perseverance is impressive to me. He'll bounce back from this, and I'm just waiting for him to have a great game."
The Jets have lost three in a row following their surprising 5-4 start and have been non-competitive offensively, scoring just 20 points during their slide. Smith completed just four passes Sunday and just 29 and 39 percent of his throws overall over the last four games.
He told reporters he remains confident despite the fact that most of the fan base has lost faith in him.
"It's hard for people to believe that with the tough stretch we've had," Smith said.
Smith has thrown just eight touchdown passes this season and none since the Jets' 30-27 win over New England on Oct. 20. He has a league-high 19 interceptions, has lost four fumbles, and has a rating of 60.4, 35th in the NFL.
Rookie Matt Simms played the second half Sunday and finished 9-of-18 for 79 yards and an interception.
"I did enough [Sunday] to solidify I am the No. 2. At least I didn't play myself out of a job," Simms said.
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