Although Mark Sanchez threw a pick-six on the Jets’ first possession of the preseason, he’s still probably ahead of Geno Smith in the race to be the Jets’ starting quarterback.
Smith did not play particularly well after replacing Sanchez in Detroit, failing to get much of anything going while directing the Jets’ offense. Although his numbers look decent -- he completed six of seven passes for 47 yards -- he was throwing mostly short and safe passes, and after Smith hit Clyde Gates for 15 yards on his first pass, the Jets never got another first down with Smith on the field. Every possession Smith played ended with a punt.
On his final play Smith attempted to run, but he fell down untouched, appeared to roll his ankle and limped off the field. He was replaced by third-string quarterback Greg McElroy.
The ankle injury did not appear to be serious, but it was a disappointing showing for Smith. And despite Sanchez’s interception on his first series, Sanchez actually played pretty well, completing 10 of 13 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. At the moment, Sanchez appears to be the leader in the Jets’ quarterback competition.