I agree with you that it would be a terrible situation to have Smith as starter, and Sanchez hanging around sulking over a clipboard as the #2. But who can we possibly bring in at this point to be a viable backup and potential mentor? We might have to go all in on Geno with no safety net right from jump (which is not a great scenario either).
I don't think Gerrard had any problems being a backup. This definitely changes the Jets plans if they wanted to cut Sanchez.
Why? Who cares about Mark Sanchez's feelings. Geno is a pretty smart kid and should leaning on MM and the coaches instead of Mark anyway. What is Mark going to tell him? Throw to the receiver you trust the most even if he is triple covered with the game on the line because your expecting a miracle? You want Mark as your backup in case Geno gets his clock cleaned if he uses his legs on any given play (very possible). Mark makes a very viable albeit costly... backup. Which is just fine with me.
Mark is a liability. Not only moneywise, but also in that the HC has a Foot and Sanchez fetish. 16 games from hell in 2013 here we come.
It's not too surprising since Garrard talked about retirement after his injury last year. Since the coaching staff likely knew about his continuing knee issues, it explains why they would keep Sanchez on the roster. There aren't too many other QB's out there to bring in. Brian Hoyer Byron Leftwich Vince Young Matt Leinart Charlie Batch Tyler Thigpen Trent Edwards Tim Tebow JaMarcus Russell Sage Rosenfels A.J. Feeley Troy Smith Chris Redman John Beck Jordan Palmer J.P. Losman Kevin O'Connell
I think this is the most likely scenario ... Sanchez will unfortunately be the starter. He'll give us his usual dog shit play for the first half of the season. We'll be somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-6 and then the Jets will want to see what they have in Geno after the bye ... With some winnable games left on the schedule. The first half of the season will be unwatchable, but at least we'll have a reason to keep watching in December.
I was thinking the same thing. Supposedly he did really well at the Texas pro day (he attended this year). Vet minimum, knows the system, more competition. I just wouldn't expect anything more than a backup.
I feel bad for Garrard, but if his knee wouldn't hold up, what was he to do about it? I think he made the right move.
I'd like to see Batch or even Feely get signed to at least make it look like a real QB competition. Rookie vs Sanchez does not give me a warm fuzzy feeling.
Unless you are smoking crack, no one on that list can carry Sanchez' jock. Geno just got promoted to the teo, before TC.
