Geno Smith calls Mark Sanchez a 'pretty good QB'
Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws a pass during the team's first day of rookie minicamp in Florham Park, N.J. (May 10, 2013) Credit: James Escher
Geno Smith will spend the coming days, weeks and months learning from, and competing with, two veteran quarterbacks who are desperate to prove they, too, can be starting quarterbacks in the NFL.
While some Jets fans – and even some people on One Jets Drive -- may be ready to finally break free of Mark Sanchez, Smith came to Sanchez’s defense during an ESPN radio interview Monday afternoon.
“He’s a guy that I’m going to be in competition with, but at the same time, I’m going to learn from,” the Jets’ second-round pick said of Sanchez on The Michael Kay Show. “He’s a professional, he’s done it for several years and he’s carried himself well, in my opinion. Everything that he’s done, ups and downs -- I think the overall perception of him may be kind of swayed depending on the games he’s played, but I think he’s a pretty good quarterback and I look forward to competing with him and being around him.”
Smith expertly toed the line between respecting one’s elders and declaring himself capable of resurrecting the franchise. The former West Virginia quarterback refused to say whether he expects, or wants, to be the starter in Week 1. But he clearly understands what it takes to earn the trust of those around him.
“I’m not bitter about anything that happened last season because I know it’s all a part of God’s plan and I believe everything works out for a reason and I think everything that I’ve dealt with, with the ups and downs, I was able to stay even-keeled and I think that ultimately showed my character to my teammates and coaches. And that’s why they can stand up and defend me in times when people may think I’m some type of diva, or ultimately, something that I’m not.”
And while Smith is quick to study the tendencies of the veteran QBs around him, he is acutely aware of how highly-regarded he is by his new teammates and coaches.
Though Smith admitted he was “surprised” he ended up being the 39th overall selection instead of a first-round pick, he also believes he’s right where he should be.
“The Jets were the team that wanted to select me,” he said. “It only took one team to fall in love with me -- and that’s what happened. So I’m in a great position.”
Here’s more from Smith’s interview today:
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