Geno Smith has long looked up to Michael Vick, but that doesn't mean he's willing to take a backseat to him.
"Yes," Smith forcefully and instantly told ESPN on Monday when asked if he believes he will emerge from his preseason battle with Vick to stand as the New York Jets starting quarterback.
The Jets opened their much anticipated offseason program on Monday with the burning question over the next four months expected to be who coach Rex Ryan will turn to as the team's primary signal caller. Smith started as a rookie last season and the Jets have described their decision to sign the veteran Vick as a way to "push" Smith to improve upon the 25 turnovers he had last season.
"It's my belief in myself, knowing I'm going to take every action possible to get better and come into the season a better player," Smith added. "It's going to come down to production on the field. I just believe that, with the experience I've gained, and with the direction we were heading in as an offense and where I see myself as a second-year player ... I just feel I'm more than capable of being a starter."
Since being acquired, Vick has been careful not to step on any toes, even referring to Smith as the team's designated starter.
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"I respect what Mike said, but I understand there's a competition," Smith told ESPN. "It comes down to what we do on the field. ... I look forward to competing against a guy like Mike because he himself has been a starter and is still capable. He still runs fast. He stills throws accurately, with great velocity. And he's a very, very smart quarterback."
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