As usual, the biggest question going into a season for the New York Jets continues to be centered around the quarterback situation. The Jets think they have figured it out by landing Geno Smith, though it's still fair to mention that Smith isn't exactly some star at this stage of his career, and there are more questions than answers at the position.
Now, that doesn't mean things can't work out for the Jets, but it's important that the front office and coaching staff are careful with their words. The last thing they want to do is overpromise to a fan base that is desperate for success.
However, that hasn't stopped the coaching staff from saying they have a lot of confidence in their new quarterback, including new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who had a lot to say about Smith.
"I think he fits perfect," Reich said, per the team. "I've liked Geno from Day 1. When he was coming out of West Virginia I had a high grade on Geno. I'd not met Geno before here and I'm kind of glad because I'm even more impressed with him now meeting him in person. I feel his resilience, his toughness, I always think the No. 1 attribute in any quarterback that you need, especially if you want to come and turn something around, is you need someone who's tough. I mean tough mentally, tough physically, and I feel that from Geno on every front.
"I think his experience, the ups and downs that he's been through, and he's had great success, and had to deal with some tough seasons," Reich said of Smith. "And if you play in this league long enough, everyone's going to face that. And if you are the person, if you're the right kind of leader, then you come out of it better, and I think that's the version of Geno Smith we're getting. We're getting the best version of who he is and I think his best football is ahead of him."
If there are things on Smith's side, it's that he's been around this league for a very long time now, having been drafted by the Jets.
On the other hand, he's also faced a lot of adversity, which can actually be a good thing in a scenario like this.
While I'm a bit skeptical that he's going to come in and be a great answer for the Jets, I do recognize that Smith has had some nice moments throughout his career. If he can be that guy for New York in these big moments, perhaps it will look a lot different than it has in the past.