Monday, December 23, 2013

Clean vision, clean jersey equals clean game for Geno

BY NICK ST. DENIS

From time to time this season, Geno Smith has been part of the problem. Sunday, he was part of the solution.

The New York Jets' rookie signal-caller played perhaps his best game of the season against a pretty good defense, tossing two touchdowns, rushing for another and turning the ball over a whopping zero times in Gang Green's 24-13 win over the Cleveland Browns.

"I felt pretty comfortable back there in the pocket," Smith said after the game, via NewYorkJets.com. "The offensive line did a great job keeping guys off me."

Smith had a few passes tipped at the line, but his blockers were stout throughout. According to Pro Football Focus, the Jets' offensive front gave up just six quarterback hurries while not surrendering a sack or a hit on Smith.

"I was able to step up all day long, had great throwing lanes, was able to have clean vision in the pocket and it was good to come out of this game with no sacks or turnovers and I think we had for the most part plenty of positive plays, not many negative plays," Smith said.

The West Virginia product finished the game 20-for-36 for 214 yards and the two scoring strikes. He also picked up 48 yards on 10 carries, including the touchdown scamper. David Nelson hauled in both of Smith's passing scores.

Against the Browns, the Jets also implemented a heavier dose of the no-huddle, which proved successful.

"I think the no-huddle is our thing, it’s kind of our recipe to success," guard Willie Colon said. "We keep pushing it forward, we’re able to communicate. Nick [Mangold] does a great job of keeping us lined up and setting the tempo. Putting the foot on the gas is kind of our M.O."

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