Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith’s Redemption – Pt. 1 Welcome to the NFL
Ed Stein
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J-E-T-S, No, No, No
So much for a stable organization. With Smith as the starter from Game 1, NYJ improved from 6-10 in 2012 to 8-8. He finished his rookie season completing 247 of 443 passes (55.8%) with 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. Tack on another 366 yards and 6 touchdowns on 72 runs.
Not a bad first season. Some of the all-time greats started much worse. With a decent base to begin his NFL career, New York was ready for him to take the next step in 2014.
Unfortunately, for all involved, that step went backward. In Game 8, Gang Green was on the verge of losing their 7th straight game. Embattled Head Coach Rex Ryan pulled Smith after the QB’s 3rd pick in 8 attempts in favor of Michael Vick.
Vick held the starting job for three weeks before yielding it back to Geno. But by then, the writing was on the wall.
New York brought in a new coach and signed free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, leaving Smith on the outside. He spent two more years with the Jets and played in a total of three games.