Jets' Geno Smith: 'I expect to be in the top 5' among NFL QBs
New York Jets quarterback was recently named the worst quarterback in the NFL by an ESPN survey that polled general managers, former GMs, current coordinators and a top executive.
That distinction is apparently motivating him to join the league's elite.
"The thing about it is, you have to climb up," Smith told ESPN.com on Saturday. "If I'm No. 32, by this time next year or the year after, I expect to be in the top five."
Smith is intent on disproving the critics, but says he has a bigger goal in mind.
"My first reaction was, 'You know, man, I've got to prove them wrong,'" he said. "In the end, none of that matters. My key job is to make sure this team is improving and I'm doing everything I can for the betterment of this team."
Head coach Rex Ryan preached patience when evaluating Smith.
"Let's take that survey after the season and see where our quarterback ranks," Ryan said. "Let's see where Geno ranks."
Smith is entering his second NFL season after starting all 16 games in 2013. He threw 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in his rookie year, and the Jets finished 8-8.
Guard Willie Colon said it's normal to struggle as a quarterback in your first few years in the league.
"Yes, Geno suffered from turnovers [25 in 2013], but I also remember watching Peyton Manning and some of the other great quarterbacks in their first three years in the league," Colon said.
"They weren't lights-out. Over time, they grew into themselves and developed into Hall of Fame quarterbacks."