This Morning's Star-Ledger. The article suggests that Wildcat may enter into the QB decision: http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/20...scrutiny_of_training_camp.html#incart_m-rpt-1 Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith, with more Wildcat looming, feel scrutiny of Jets training camp Day 5:— Position battles are a common thread tying all 32 NFL training camps: Two players, sometimes more, vying to become a starter, gain notoriety and sometimes a higher salary. When the position up for grabs is starting quarterback, however, it is as if the candidates are singers fighting to lead a rock band in a front-and-center "American Idol"-style competition. Placekickers Nick Folk and Billy Cundiff, by comparison, seem like guitar techs trying to tag along on tour. Nearly a week into training camp, Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith have assessed each other’s performance, sort of ("Well, I don’t evaluate Mark," Smith said), and have been assessed, down to a microscopic degree. An NFL Network analyst, Brian Baldinger, upon watching Smith sprint during Monday’s practice, said the rookie quarterback looked slow and was in "embarrassing" physical condition. Smith’s reaction: "I have none. That’s his opinion. You know my coaches are the ones who evaluate me, so I haven’t heard that from them." Sanchez, just two years removed from back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances, said later, "You can’t worry about other people’s opinions." He was referencing the criticism he received for committing 52 turnovers over the past two seasons and for completing, unofficially, just 3 of 10 passes against the Jets defense Wednesday. But opinions do matter, as the Jets contemplate which player will crouch under center come Week 1. The quarterback, in many ways, sets a tone for the offense and the team as a whole. He is a very public focal point for fans and television cameras and, behind the scenes, is expected to be a leader in the locker room. That the Jets are, for the first time, at training camp under the management of John Idzik, adds tension. Idzik said he will have influence in the choosing of the Jets’ starter as he shapes his vision for the team. Sanchez said the presence of "everybody who works upstairs that you rarely see" on the field during practice illustrates the importance of the decision and the pressure on himself and Smith. "You complete the ball and they’re like, ‘Oh, OK, good, yep, got it. There it is. Smith. OK, got it.’ Every throw, every handoff," Sanchez said. Another factor in the decision emerged Wednesday. Jets coach Rex Ryan said the Wildcat formation will play an increased role in the offense this season compared with last, when Tim Tebow was the primary ball carrier in the system and ran for 3.2 yards per carry. Ryan said Marty Mornhinweg, the team’s new offensive coordinator, has conferred with his staff on how to add more verve to an offense that ranked No. 30 league-wide last season and, due to injury, is missing key players at running back and wide receiver. The Jets do not allow reporters to cite specific descriptions of plays run during practice, but the team used its personnel in a number of creative ways Wednesday. David Lee, in his first year as quarterbacks coach, is one assistant in Mornhinweg’s ear. Lee helped the Miami Dolphins introduce the formation to the NFL in 2008. He did so with Ronnie Brown, a running back, at the helm. But increasingly, quarterbacks have become primary ball carriers in the Wildcat’s 2.0 phase. "If you’re going to have a quarterback who has those skills, like a (Colin) Kaepernick or someone like that, then obviously it becomes more of a weapon," Ryan said. Smith, who at times ran a similar read-option offense at West Virginia, might have the mobility to run such plays. Though considered a quarterback who prefers the pocket, Sanchez said he is willing to oblige if the coaches prefer more Wildcat. He swatted his right hand as tiny gnats buzzed in front of his face. "These flies are everywhere," he said. "They remind me of Rex’s damn defense." And also, perhaps, the guys from upstairs. Though he didn’t say.
Good reads; I have to honestly say I dont think the Wildcat will be more present than last year. and if it is, Rex needs to stop.
I thought it was a little telling that Mark said that the presence of "everybody who works upstairs that you rarely see" on the field during practice illustrates the importance of the decision and the pressure on himself and Smith. A clear reference to Idzik as "everybody who works upstairs." Sanchez is clearly feeling the heat. Then he says, "You complete the ball and they’re like, ‘Oh, OK, good, yep, got it. There it is. Smith. OK, got it.’ Every throw, every handoff," Sanchez said. He almost sounds a little paranoid... definitely looking over his shoulder.
If the Wildcat is going to be used, it should be used sparingly. Also, Kerley should be the main guy for the Wildcat plays, since he's more successful at it. Leave Sanchez & Geno out of the Wildcat.
If we see the Wildcat this year that'll mean the regular offense has some major flaws. Hopefully the WCO will be just fine and the Wildcat will be a thing of the past.
I know, but now the league is tuned into this, especially the Dolphins and Bill Belichick. So I'm not sure how well this will work this year. The gist of the article is that, because Rex Ryan announced at the podium that we'll be using the Wildcat more often, that this will affect the QB decision (assuming Smith is the "better" Wildcat player). I threw the article out there but I'm not totally convinced this will affect the outcome of the QB decision. In fact, I'm still not convinced there is a QB decision. I think Sanchez starts and Smith sits. Just my opinion, mind you.
