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11/22/2024 08:56:47 am

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Rex Ryan Takes Out Geno Smith and Names Michael Vick as the New York Jets Starting Quarterback

STATESOct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at MetLife Stadium.

(Photo : Reuters / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

The National Football League's (NFL) New York Jets have recently named longtime quarterback Michael Vick as their new starter, taking the struggling Geno Smith's spot.

After a seven-game losing streak, head coach of the Jets Rex Ryan made an unexpected decision to make Vick the new starting quarterback.

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Smith had been underperforming for more than a year. Ryan finally had enough and pulled Smith out in their previous game against the Buffalo Bills where the Jets lost, 43-23.

The thing that really sealed the deal was the three interceptions that Smith threw in the first quarter of that game. He finished with a passer's rating of 0.0.

While replacing Vick with Smith is certainly a way to address the current problem of their team, Ryan has not stated if it is permanent or not. He said that he is only focused on their upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"This is not looking long term, this is about the immediate," Ryan said. "My focus is on Kansas City and finding a way to get a win. That's why this decision was made."

This game will be the first game that Smith does not start, as he was named a started as a rookie and has compiled a 9-15 record with 31 interceptions.

When Smith was asked on how he felt about it, he initially said that there were really no emotions and that he just went on with his day. However, that changed as he expressed frustration and disappointment.

Nevertheless, he will be supporting Vick who he considers a mentor.

Smith is still confident that he can be a franchise-caliber quarterback.

Vick though, who was just signed to a one-year contract, sees being named a starter as a good opportunity that he has to relish but also take seriously.

While Vick wasn't perfect against the bill - with two lost fumbles and an interception - he still fought back and rallied the lead to 23 points.

This marks only the second time that Ryan has benched his starting quarterback. The first time was when he replaced Mark Sanchez in 2012.

Ryan feels that this is the right move now. 

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