When the Jets traded for Geno Smith this offseason, it was obviously an effort to bring in a quarterback who had had some degree of success in recent years as the Jets have gone through one failed quarterback experiment after another. But Smith is being lauded for more than just his play. It’s his leadership and mere presence that has impressed many of his coaches and teammates.
Speaking with the press at 1 Jets Drive, offensive coordinator Frank Reich was effusive in his praise of Smith, saying he’s “so impressed” by the quarterback as he says smith is “on point” with “top notch preparation”. Reich continued on Smith saying “his football mind is elite. The way he’s communicating in the huddle, at the line, in the QB room…we’re in good shape”.
Teammates appeared to be on board with Reich’s comments as left tackle Olu Fashanu said with Smith’s mere presence “you could just feel a sense of confidence in the offense”. A bit of confidence is just what the Jets offense needs.
Last year’s team MVP, Isaiah Williams, was asked what the arrival of Geno Smith has meant to the team and the return man said the QB was “just himself” and that he’s a “natural leader”.
It’s not only offensive players who commented on Smith’s leadership either. Free agent cornerback Nahshon Wright was asked about Smith and said he thinks “Geno has just been doing a good job leading the young guys”.
Smith’s first tenure with the Jets didn’t go as planned, but now entering his thirteenth pro season, Smith looks to have grown into a respected leader in the locker room who the Jets hope can finally bring productive, consistent play to a team whose quarterbacks have failed to do time and again.
