When a reporter suggested to Jets quarterback Geno Smith on Monday that he has been staring down his receivers on his interceptions, Smith bristled at the suggestion.
“No, I don’t think so,” Smith said. “My coaches haven’t said anything about that. I don’t understand what specific instances you’re talking about. That’s something you have to look at the receiver to see if he is open. I don’t think I have that problem.”
Smith did make a very bad decision on a first-quarter interception on Sunday, throwing a bad pass that New England’s Logan Ryan had a clear path to return 79 yards for a touchdown. But Smith said it was easy to move on from that mistake.
“I mean for one, it wasn’t the end of the game and it’s not the end the world,” Smith said. “Those things happen. I think the best [test] of the type of player you are is the way you move on from those mistakes and the way you respond. I’m always the type of guy that, I don’t want to make any mistakes but if I ever do I try to come back, respond and be better. That’s just the mentality I take every time.”
Whether Smith stared down a receiver on that interception or not, he didn’t throw any more interceptions the rest of the game. Smith still has a long way to go as a quarterback, but the Jets have to be pleased with his progress.