Geno Smith won't be handed the New York Jets' starting quarterback gig, but it's his job to lose.
Despite offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's pronouncement last week that "right now, Geno is the starter," coach Todd Bowles clarified that there will be a competition come training camp.
"Come camp time there will be competition at the spot (quarterback)," Bowles said. "I've said it from Day 1, Geno is the first-team quarterback and Ryan (Fitzpatrick) is second, Matt (Simms) is third and we'll give Bryce (Petty) reps as we go. Just like every other position starter starting first team, if he's playing well he's the starter, if he's not playing well and somebody is playing better, as is any other position, somebody else is going to play."
Bowles added: "I view it as open competition with Geno being the starter. It's his to lose and it's Ryan's to take, it's Bryce's to take, it's Matt's to take, no different than any other position. Whoever starts out first team will get the first team reps ... as preseason goes on, as production goes on at practice that could or couldn't change from any position we have."
Fitzpatrick, who suffered a season-ending broken leg last year, participated in team drills for the first time during Wednesday's OTAs.
According to multiple beat reporters attending Wednesday's session, Smith struggled while taking the majority of the first-team reps.
"I've always felt like it was my job to go out and lead this team," Smith said Wednesday, via Newsday.
Smith will start in the pole position for the Jets' starting gig, but his performance on the field will ultimately dictate whether or not he remains there. Performance will also determine whether he keeps it once the season starts if he wins the job.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses the latest news including Ray McDonald's release and the Adrian Peterson drama with the Vikings. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
