Rex Ryan turned to Michael Vick on Sunday, but he's sticking with Geno Smith going forward.
Ryan announced after the New York Jets' shutout loss to the San Diego Chargers that Smith will be the team's starter in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos.
"Geno will be our quarterback next week and that's the way it is," Ryan said.
Smith had no success moving the Jets on offense in the game's first two quarters, finishing 4 of 12 for 27 yards and an interception. The Jets' first six possessions with Smith under center produced four punts, a lost fumble by Chris Johnson, and Smith's pick on a desperation heave at the end of the half. Smith called his outing "pathetic."
Vick's performance saved Ryan from facing a quarterback controversy this week. The veteran passer looked tentative and rusty, completing 8 of 19 passes for 47 yards. A touchdown pass to Greg Salas was wiped away when Vick was flagged for crossing the line of scrimmage. It was a moment that neatly summed up a lost day for Gang Green.
Ryan's decision to sit Smith tells us the coach is just about out of patience during a destructive four-game losing streak. Smith is far from Ryan's only problem -- the team lacks offensive playmakers and a professional secondary -- but his poor play in recent weeks is a major reason why yet another Jets season is slipping into the abyss.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Week 5 game and tells you who's leading the pack for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL Now.
