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Hapless Geno Smith benched for Michael Vick in loss – Metro US

Hapless Geno Smith benched for Michael Vick in loss

Geno Smith
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The Michael Vick era may have begun in New York, as the veteran quarterback replaced a benched Geno Smith late in the first quarter of the Jets’ 43-23 loss to the Bills.

Smith had three interceptions on the Jets’ first four drives, leading to the earliest benching of his career.
Head coach Rex Ryan seemed at a loss after the game to explain Smith’s performance, but he made it clear he was unclear who would start Week 9.

“I have no idea,” Ryan said. “We’ll look at that later.”

Ryan immediately confirmed Smith would start the following week when he was benched during a loss to San Diego in Week 5.

Vick finished 18-of-36 for 153 yards with an interception and two lost fumbles. But he did lead the Jets on all four of their scoring drives.

“I still hold myself to a high standard. I feel I can come in at any moment and make something happen,” Vick said. “Maybe that’s not the case, maybe that’s not realistic and that’s wishful thinking for myself. At least that’s my optimism, that’s what I believe in. With a full week of practice, we’ll see, maybe at some point. But I came in, [and] did the best I could.”

Vick led the offense to 17 points on his first five drives to cut the Bills lead to 24-17 at halftime.

He also got no reps with the first-team offense during the week, so his performance can be graded on a curve.

“I made the move to go to Mike. I think we responded,” Ryan said. “There was a lot good things we did with Mike in there and he did personally. But we’ve got to take care of the football better.”

Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.