Sunday, December 1, 2013

Smith, Simms uncertain of their statuses next week

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Geno Smith's regression was still stuck on cruise control Sunday in the New York Jets' season-deflating loss to the Miami Dolphins, and it landed him on the bench by halftime.

After helping the Jets' helpless offense to a measly two first downs, the rookie signal-caller was pulled in favor of backup Matt Simms, who didn't fare a whole lot better.

Smith isn't sure he'll get the start next week. Neither is Simms.

"I don't know," Smith said," via NewYorkJets.com. "We'll have to find out as the week goes on."

Simms seemed even less optimistic about his chances at getting the nod, which may end up going to veteran David Garrard.

"That could be a possibility," Jets coach Rex Ryan said of starting Garrard next week.

Smith has been on a downward spiral since the Jets beat the New England Patriots in mid-October. He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since that game and has been picked off eight times in that span.

He connected on just four of 10 pass attempts, with an interception to boot, Sunday before posting up on the sideline for the second half. Simms went 9-for-18 with an interception and further proved that the Jets' issues on offense go well beyond Smith. There's just no top skill position talent anywhere on the depth chart.

Garrard may be the best option next week, assuming he's actually as healthy as he's led on of late. Smith showed flashes early in the season but clearly needs a little time to step back and watch for a bit.

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