Ex-Jet Geno says Eli is main reason he chose Big Blue
IF YOU look at Geno Smith these days, he doesn’t look like the same guy who played for the Jets. Sure, the face is the same. But he’s wrapped in blue and red now, happy for a fresh start with the Giants and a chance to get better as a quarterback.
“There were other teams that were interested and there were other opportunities that might have gotten me more money, but I didn’t see those as the types of organizations I saw myself in,” Smith told The Post. “I thought this was the organization for me and that’s why I chose here.”
Smith joining the Giants might be a head scratcher to some. You figure he wouldn’t want any part of New York after four seasons with the Jets where he was often roasted by fans and sports media for his performances. Much of it was warranted.
He was 12-18 as a starter for the Jets with 16 of those starts coming during his rookie season when he was forced to play after a preseason injury to Mark Sanchez. After going 8-8 as a rookie, he went 3-10 the following year and saw Rex Ryan get replaced by Todd Bowles.
Smith lost his starting job to Ryan Fitzpatrick before the 2015 season when he suffered a broken jaw during a locker room altercation during training camp. When Fitzpatrick was benched in 2016, Smith got to start an October game against the Ravens, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second quarter of a Jets 24-16 victory. For his career, Smith has thrown 28 touchdowns passes and 36 interceptions, putting his quarterback rating at 72.4. Yes, he has heard the critics, but insists he isn’t listening. That’s why he’s staying in New York.
“People can say all kinds of stuff, but I never really paid attention to it,” he said. “I think it’s hard for people to believe that. How can you not pay attention to it in New York? But this is my life. I’m a football player and that’s all I really care about.”
The word is coach Ben McAdoo was impressed with Smith’s football I.Q. when they met in the spring. The feeling was mutual. There are two reasons why Smith signed with the Giants: Eli Manning and McAdoo. Actually there’s a third reason: Brett Favre.
“Brett Favre is probably my favorite quarterback of all-time,” Smith said. “To have a coach who coached him and saw his talents live was something I wanted. I’ve got a bunch of film on Favre in my iPad. I watch him all the time. We run pretty much similar plays here.” But his biggest reason for joining the Giants was Manning. Smith had to learn on the job while with the Jets with no real mentor. He was always in tense competitions with Sanchez or Fitzpatrick. There is no question who leads the Giants. The quarterback room also includes rookie Davis Webb and free agent Josh Johnson.
“When I got to the Jets, I didn’t have a mentor or anybody who could show me the ropes,” Smith said. “So to have that with Eli here and have an opportunity to continue to compete and get better and be on a winning team, I’m totally fine with that.”
Smith had his surgically repaired knee checked out this week and was given clearance to increase his workload. He knows the preseason might be his only chance to put something positive on film. He signed a one-year contract that will earn him between $1.2 million-$2 million. Giants fans now have to get comfortable with Smith being one snap away from being their starter.
“It’s all about production, especially when you get into this league,” he said. “I know I’ll get a chance during the preseason and throughout camp. Every day on the practice field is a chance to show I’m better with anticipation, understanding defenses and making reads. I’m always
trying to get better.”