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Rex Ryan downplays talk that Matt Simms could replace Geno Smith

Geno Smith, Matt Simms

New York Jets quarterbacks Geno Smith (7) and Matt Simms talk during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP

In the week since Jets quarterback Geno Smith threw three interceptions in a loss to New England, there’s been talk of another potential quarterback controversy, this time with backup Matt Simms potentially replacing Smith. But Jets coach Rex Ryan downplayed that talk today.

Asked about a report that Simms has a lot of supporters in the organization, Ryan said that’s true. But Ryan quickly added that those supporters don’t see Simms unseating Smith as the starter.

“I think there’s a lot of guys that like Simms. I don’t think there’s any doubt,” Ryan said. “But to say as our starting quarterback? I don’t see that. But again, I’m obviously not saying that that couldn’t happen, or whatever, but we see Geno as our starting quarterback now and that’s how we see it.”

Asked how much Smith would have to struggle to put Simms in, Ryan answered, “I’m not going to get into that stuff. Shoot, ‘Well if he throws this or this?’ No, I don’t go into the game thinking about that.”

So anyone hoping to see a quarterback circus will have to look elsewhere. The Jets are sticking with Smith.