Watch CBS News

Ray Lucas On WFAN: Geno Isn't The Jets' Quarterback Of The Future

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- NFL analyst and former Jets quarterback Ray Lucas stopped by M&M's World in Manhattan on Tuesday to chat with WFAN host Mike Francesa.

Before breaking down Super Bowl XLVIII, the Rutgers product -- who breaks down the Jets for SportsNet New York -- talked a little Gang Green.

So what did Lucas think of quarterback Geno Smith's rookie season?

Ray Lucas

"I thought it was typical of a rookie guy that was drafted in the second round, and he probably should have went in the first round," Lucas told Francesa on Tuesday. "But a lot of different mistakes, the decision-making process wasn't great all year long. He had spurts of brilliance and then a couple games where he was just god-awful."

Smith had his fair share of ups and downs for New York in 2013, but the team exceeded expectations, finishing the season at .500 with an 8-8 record.

The 23-year-old ended the campaign on a high note, leading the Jets to victories in the final two games of a lost season. His late-season performances left Jets fans with good tastes in their mouths heading into the offseason, but Lucas isn't ready to call the young signal-caller the future.

"If you had asked me, 'Do I think that Geno Smith is the quarterback of the future,' I'm gonna tell you 'no,'" Lucas told Francesa. "I really think they should bring in a veteran -- (Josh) McCown -- who I thought played great in Jay Cutler's absence. And then you give them the ball and you say, 'Here. You two guys are competing for this one ball.'"

The 6-foot-2, 221-pounder played in all 16 games for New York this season. He completed 55.8 percent of his passes and threw 12 touchdowns to 21 interceptions, throwing for 3,046 yards. He also rushed for 366 yards and scored six touchdowns on the ground, though he fumbled seven times.

"Competition at any level is gonna make the Jets better," Lucas told Francesa. "...I think (offensive coordinator) Marty Mornhinweg has all the confidence in Geno Smith of being a big-time quarterback. (From) most of the conference calls that we had during the season, I've never heard Marty speak more highly about an individual, and I think Mornhinweg's a quarterback whisperer."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.