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NFL New York Jets

New York Jets QB Situation Currently Draws Some Comparisons To San Francisco 49ers Last Season

Geno Smith

Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets find themselves in a bit of a hole now at the quarterback position — okay, more of a hole then they were in before.

Incumbent quarterback Mark Sanchez was projected to be the starting quarterback, and would have won the quarterback competition before he went down with a shoulder injury against the New York Giants that potentially could keep him out past Week 1.

So, what does this all mean? Geno Smith likely will be the starter for Week 1, and it also means that Smith has another opportunity to show the coaches that he deserves to stay on the field even when Sanchez comes back. What does this sort of remind you of?

Yes, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation last year, when Colin Kaepernick came in to relief Alex Smith due to injury and lit it up. Once Smith was cleared to play, coach Jim Harbaugh made the tough decision to stay with Kaepernick for the rest of the season. We all know how it went from there.

Smith and Kaepernick have two different styles, but not by much. Both run the west-coast offense, and the only thing that is different is the fact that Kaepernick has the ability to run. Both have something in common though: they both had/have opportunities to start regular season NFL games due to injuries.

One made the most of it, will the other do the same?

Yesterday, Matt Simms started against the Philadelphia Eagles and had a spectacular night, completing 33-of-44 passes for 285 yards, leading the Jets to the win. Smith got the night off.

Smith has a golden opportunity to prove to everyone that he should be the Jets starter. He already blew a great opportunity to solidify the starting job in the third preseason game by throwing three interceptions.

Smith needs a clean game, and ultimately needs to lead the Jets to a win. If he does this, then we can make the direct comparison to Kaepernick.