New York Jets to Use Geno Smith as Change-of-Pace QB?

Jun 25, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith during a NFL Play 60 event during the AFC Rookie Symposium at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have a tough decision to make this preseason between rookie quarterback Geno Smith and veteran Mark Sanchez.

Alright, not really, but it sounds like the team is going to get creative in their approach.

Apparently if the rookie loses the battle, the Jets plan on using Smith as a change-of-pace quarterback, which was brought to light by Rich Cimini of  ESPN New York:

"The coaches are toying with the idea of turning Smith into what Tebow was supposed to be last season — a change-of-pace quarterback (assuming he doesn’t win the starting job). Smith would have a package of plays, mainly read-option runs that could exploit his speed. The upside: It would give him some game experience, albeit in a gadget role, and add a wrinkle to the offense. The downside: He wasn’t very productive when West Virginia called designed runs, which wasn’t often. Smith, who considers himself a pocket passer, gives the impression he wouldn’t be thrilled in that role."

The Spin: Oh boy. We’re sure this is going to work out. You know, because it worked out so well with Tim Tebow and has been great in the past for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles.

Not.

Taking a quarterback out in the middle of a drive is never a good idea. If the coaching staff cannot get behind one guy as a starter and has to resort to this, it’s a bad sign of things to come. Either start Smith or don’t, but don’t ruin both quarterback’s chances at success next season with trivial drivel.

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