New York Jets: Starting Mark Sanchez Benefits Geno Smith

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The other day, the New York Jets announced that veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez will start the team’s first preseason game Friday against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit.

Many fans seemed angry, for no reason, at head coach Rex Ryan‘s decision in starting Sanchez over rookie quarterback Geno Smith. Just sit back and think about why starting Sanchez is not only logical but can benefit Smith greatly.

For one, Sanchez has been a Jet and their starting quarterback since 2009 and deserves a chance to defend himself and save his starting job.

I mean if you think about it, what kind of message would it send if Smith starts over Sanchez in the Jets’ first preseason game?

That would basically say it is not really a quarterback competition and that once again the Jets are lying to the media. I mean I wouldn’t put that past them, but at least starting Sanchez plays up the illusion.

Another reason is that most likely Sanchez will screw up a few times during his start. As a Jet fan myself, we all know Sanchez is not going to get any better as a quarterback. Ever since his rookie season, he has regressed as a quarterback and has simply gotten worse and worse every year, even if you take out the butt fumble.

So after Sanchez throws an interception or fumbles the ball, which he is bound to do, Smith can come in and not only impress the Jets coaching staff but look even better than his performance would dictate when compared to Sanchez.

I would actually go as far as to say Smith not starting the Jets’ first preseason game is a blessing and can really give him a leg up over Sanchez in this quarterback competition.

What do you think?

Steven Carollo is a New York Ranger and sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook, and join his Google network.