Some training camp practices aren’t just for players.
The Jets were at MetLife Stadium for a workout on Saturday night and some of the fans that turned out to watch used it as a chance to warm up their throats for the regular season. Quarterback Geno Smith got off to a rough start during the practice when he lost the ball on a strip sack and fired wildly on a pass to Brandon Marshall, which led to boos from a crowd that’s had the opportunity to express that opinion of Smith several times in his first two seasons.
Smith rallied to throw a pair of touchdowns to Marshall and refrained from cursing at any of the fans who were showering him with negative attention. Smith said he’s developed “thick skin” and that the negativity serves as motivation.
“That’s when I thrive, man,” Smith said, via ESPN.com. “That’s when I’m at my best. I’ve been through a lot in two years. Maybe my rookie year, I would’ve hung my head or it might have fazed me or it might have affected me negatively. But at this point, it rolls right off my back.”
Smith hopes that fans are “a little more patient” come the regular season. That’s probably a pipe dream, so if Smith avoids boos come September it will be a good sign for the Jets.