Geno Smith – Getty Images
The Big Apple has a quarterback problem. The New York Giants’ Eli Manning and the New York Jets’ Geno Smith love turnovers; so much, in fact, they should partner up and open a bakery in downtown Manhattan.
Manning is entering the twilight of his career and appears to be a lost cause on a team that resembles a dumpster fire. Smith, however, is starting to do some things really well despite his flaws. If you’re looking for a quarterback after Week 2, he may be worth a gander.
Smith went 16-of-32 for 176 yards against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday evening, and had the Packers’ secondary looking awfully foolish early in the contest. Smith manufactured touchdown drives that went 84 and 80 yards. He showed much improved presence in the pocket, connecting with Eric Decker for a 29-yard score while under heavy pressure. The chemistry between Smith and Decker is really starting to develop.
Unfortunately, a tender hamstring limited Decker late in the game, and that had quite the negative effect on the Jets’ offensive production.
It should be mentioned that the weak link of the Packers is their defense. It took them an entire half to find any momentum, but once they did, the veteran Aaron Rodgers was able to rally the Packers to an exciting comeback. It’s hard for a young quarterback to walk into Lambeau Field and win.
I know coaches hate moral victories in a loss, but Smith did look up to the challenge. The crowd didn’t seem to bother him and he made smarter decisions with his feet. Smith ran the ball seven times for 26 yards and a short one-yard touchdown. We also can’t ignore the fact he managed a clutch game-saving drive that led to a long TD pass, only to have it negated by an odd coaching mishap on the Jets’ sideline.
Smith is a work in progress. He had a pretty bad rookie season, but has improved leaps and bounds from his 2013 self and appears to be making good progress from week to week in 2014. Yes, only two weeks are in the books, and yes he still turns the ball over more than a fantasy owner would like. However, a dual-threat QB like Smith looks a comfortable fit on your bench.
During your QB1’s bye week, Smith isn’t a bad option. If Decker is healthy and able to suit up, Smith is worth the consideration.
Ryan Ball is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter at @RyanBall89.
