The next step is consistency for Geno Smith, and the Jets quarterback knows it.
The rookie has had flashes of good play mixed in with bad moments and the key now is to make the good play happen more often than the bad.
“That’s something I have been working extremely hard at,” Smith said of being consistent. “[I have] been beating myself over [it] because I know with that consistency at the quarterback [position], it usually leads to success with the team. That’s something I’m trying to do, something I pride myself in, being a consistent decision maker. That’s what I have been trying to do and it’s something that has really hit home with me as of late.”
Smith is the 27th-ranked passer in the NFL, but he has shown poise in big moments and has led game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime of all four of the Jets wins.
Smith said he believes now is the time to elevate his play.
“I think everyone’s always had that mentality, to always play with a good amount of confidence and be consistent,” he said. “Especially now, we have to focus in and really just lock in on what our assignments are so we can do the right things on the field and get victories.”
The Jets face two tough defenses in the Bengals and Saints over the next two weeks, so Smith’s development will be tested.
“I think he’s comfortable with our system,” coach Rex Ryan said. “I think it’s now become his system. I think that’s really good. This particular week, the next two are going to be very challenging for the fact that you’re going to get multiple fronts, multiple coverages, show one thing, play different things.
“He can make all the throws. We said that about him. It’s now see it, recognize and make the throw, make the accurate throw.”
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Ryan and the Jets held onto backup quarterback David Garrard on Monday and released Brady Quinn. Ryan said the team hopes he can serve as a mentor for Smith, but he sounds as if he believes Garrard needs some work if they ever have to play him.
“I think his conditioning isn’t to where we’d certainly like it to be eventually,” Ryan said. “That’s why he works after practice every day, but it’s better. It’s good. I wouldn’t call it great right now. But the way he’s throwing the football, he can really throw the ball.”
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TE Jeff Cumberland did not practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury. Ryan said the injury is not serious and he thinks Cumberland will be OK. WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring) did not practice. A source said the Jets are not expecting Holmes to return this week. … S Antonio Allen (groin/finger), C Nick Mangold (ribs), WR Greg Salas (knee) and TE Konrad Reuland (knee) were all limited in practice.