Geno Smith provided a dark glimpse into the New York Jets' worst-case scenario Sunday.
The rookie quarterback had a game to forget against the Tennessee Titans, committing a season-high four turnovers in a blowout loss in Nashville. Smith has 11 turnovers in just four games, but coach Rex Ryan said Monday that the rookie will not be heading to the bench.
For the time being, anyway.
"It's not a thought at this point right now," Ryan said, via ESPNNewYork.com.
"You can't buy experience, but with that being said, we still have to do a much better job -- Geno, in particular -- of protecting the football at all costs." Ryan added. "You can't be nonchalant about it, you have to protect the ball."
Both of Smith's lost fumbles Sunday were doozies. The first was in the open field, when Smith got stripped from behind as he arrived at the first-down marker. The second gave the Butt Fumble a run for its money, as Smith attempted to transfer the ball from one hand to the other -- behind his back -- while being dragged to the turf. Predictably, the play ended with a Titans touchdown.
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Ryan's hands are tied. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Mark Sanchez will undergo shoulder surgery, effectively removing him from the Jets' equation, both now and forever. The other QB options are Matt Simms (who's an undrafted free agent with zero NFL experience) and Brady Quinn (who's Brady Quinn).
In other words, Ryan's best option is to ride the lightning with Geno. Hold on tight.
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