Jets QB Geno Smith fires back at media over Michael Vick question
Jets second-year quarterback Geno Smith got testy with the media on Wednesday, just days after he was criticized by reporters for a sub-par performance at home against the Lions.
The loss dropped New York to 1-3 on the season.
According to reporter Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News, Smith was asked whether he sees a value in bringing in veteran backup Michael Vick as a "spark" to New York's struggling offense.
Smith replied:
“I don’t know what you’re trying to lead to with that question,” Smith bristled before interrupting an attempted clarification of the question. “Maybe that’s your opinion.”
Smith, who turns 24 years old next week, was then asked again if he saw an incentive to the team using Vick at all:
“That doesn’t make sense,” a clearly agitated Smith said. “What team do you see doing that?... That’s not a question. Next question.”
The Jets quarterback went 17-of-33 with 209 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception in the loss to the Lions on Sunday. During the game, the crowd was heard chanting, "We want Vick." After the loss, he publicly apologized after reportedly saying "f--- you" to a heckler as he was leaving at MetLife Stadium. The Jets now travel to San Diego to play the Chargers on Sunday.
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Despite the tough week for Smith and the Jets, head coach Rex Ryan said to the media he is sticking with the second-year pro. Overall, Smith is 9-11 as a starter and has compiled 32 turnovers. He's also thrown an interception in 16 of his 20 games in his two years in the NFL and has 11 games with multiple turnovers.
Vick was also asked on Wednesday whether he thinks he should go in to the game when Smith is clearly not performing:
“No… we don’t need any more distractions right now even though I don’t think I would be a distraction if I went in and played temporarily. We just need to focus on beating San Diego.”
- Marc Weinreich
