Geno Smith bristles after reporter suggests Michael Vick could provide 'spark'

All Geno Smith wants to do is move on. But the questions keep coming.

The Jets quarterback isn't interested in rehashing the past -- Sunday's loss to the Lions, his postgame curse toward a heckling fan and Monday's meeting with offensive players only. But Smith definitely isn't interested in discussing the merits of being benched in favor of backup Michael Vick.

Whether some fans like it or not, this is Smith's team. And he has no patience for insinuations to the contrary.

During Wednesday's group interview session, Smith was peppered by questions from one reporter about the "value" of playing Vick in order to give the team "a spark."

"What do you mean 'a spark'?" Smith said. "We've already put him in."

When the reporter clarified that he was referring specifically to Vick playing an entire quarter -- a move that would relegate Smith to the sideline for 15 minutes -- he bristled. "That doesn't make sense," Smith said. "What team do you see doing that?"

While he continues to say the outside noise doesn't bother him, it's clear the questions about Vick have worn thin. But no true competitor has ever willingly relented -- and Smith isn't prepared to give up his starting job without a fight.

"I believe in myself 100 percent," said Smith, who has completed 60.3 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and five interceptions. "But I do understand that we've got to play better and I'm being hard on myself, making sure that any little detail, nothing will slip by. And if it's another guy, I'm staying on him and making sure we're doing the right things to give us a chance to win the game."

At 1-3, there's no room for any more missteps and miscommunication. The Chargers are now on the horizon, and a win is all that matters. The Jets dug themselves a hole losing three straight. But here's the silver lining: The AFC East is wide open with the Patriots, Bills and Dolphins all at 2-2. Meanwhile, the Jets won't play a division game until Week 7 against the Patriots. That, in itself, is reason for optimism. But Rex Ryan was quick to point out "we just have to take care of our business."

"We have to find ways to win or it's not going to matter," the coach said of the standings.

"It's huge," Smith said of winning in San Diego. "Huge for our team, huge for the position we're in right now. We've still got a chance in our division . . . every single guy is focused in just a little bit extra. We came in with the right mind-set."

The sense of urgency was palpable on the practice field, as players attacked drills with energy and a "very businesslike" approach, Ryan said. But preparation is only half the battle. In order for them to be successful in San Diego, the Jets must avoid making the same mistakes that continue to derail them. But while there are several issues plaguing the offense and defense (particularly red-zone inefficiency), the quarterback play has to improve.

And while questions remain about Smith's long-term viability, Ryan remains committed to him. Asked by the same reporter if he can "guarantee" Smith will finish Sunday's game, he didn't hesitate: "I think he will finish the game. I think he will play well . . . I think our whole team will play well."

Ryan's message to the team Wednesday was short and sweet -- just stay the course, he told them. And that includes Smith.

Said Vick: "He's the leader of this football team."