Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez assumed that rookie Geno Smith would get the nod for Gang Green's regular-season dress rehearsal against the New York Giants on Saturday night.
The Sanchize was correct.
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Coach Rex Ryan told reporters Thursday that Smith, who is coming off a strong week of practice, will start against Big Blue.
"I think (Smith's) looked good," Ryan said, per the New York Daily News. "I'm excited to see him play."
Ryan wouldn't say how long Smith will guide the Jets' offense. Rex did confirm that Sanchez will see action, telling the room: "We did say all along it was going to be an equal competition."
The team knows what Sanchez can do, but offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said Thursday the Jets need more time to judge Smith.
"There's no question that I think we can do some very good things with Mark," Mornhinweg said. "Don't quite know where Geno's at yet, even though we might think we know, but those preseason games are such a good evaluation period for a young man."
Mornhinweg, like Ryan, acknowledged "it's possible" the quarterback duel might burn into the preseason's fourth week. That would be unusual. It also would be a mistake.
Sanchez isn't a franchise passer. Not today, not tomorrow. The future at the position -- whether or not Ryan agrees -- comes through Smith, hand-picked by new general manager John Idzik to clean up last season's car crash under center.
Sanchez steered that vehicle in 2012. It's time for a new chauffeur.
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