Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
A great deal of media attention has recently been paid to whether rookie New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith will join fellow signal caller Mark Sanchez’s “Jets West” camp. For those who are unfamiliar, this is an annual event where Sanchez flies teammates out to his native California from July 10 or 11 to July 14. Participants usually include linemen and receivers. One player who could reportedly be there is a little surprising.
Rookie Geno Smith has been unclear as to whether he actually intends on appearing. Smith had earlier decided to go but has more recently been called “noncommittal” about making his presence felt. If this does happen there would be a lot of confusion.
Sanchez has been an unquestioned leader during the first four years of his roller coaster career. After almost leading the Jets to their first Super Bowl since 1969, this former first-round NFL Draft pick has become football’s punch line. New York has finally decided to deal with reality and chose another direction. There was a mindset that their rookie from West Virginia would lead the team during general manager John Idzik’s tenure. Currently competition is underway most likely just between these two men for the starting position where the dynamic of being teammates definitely changes.
Position battles should be treated with seriousness and intensity. Chemistry in the locker room provides an important element when it comes to success, but this case presents a different obstacle. Given past faith placed in Sanchez as well as respect he has somehow maintained from fellow players, a divide could exist. Acting as friends deludes this fight and causes even more damage to this franchise.
