Jets to start Michael Vick vs. Chiefs
— -- FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets have a new starting quarterback -- Michael Vick.
Rex Ryan made the expected move Monday, benching the struggling Geno Smith in favor of the 34-year-old Vick, who will start Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs and his former Philadelphia Eagles coach, Andy Reid.
After more than a year of Smith's maddening play, Ryan finally ran out of patience with the quarterback, who was pulled from Sunday's 43-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills after three interceptions in the first quarter. He finished with a 0.0 passer rating.
It was the second time in four weeks that Smith was benched in a game, but this marks the first time in his career he won't start. He was named the starter as a rookie and has compiled a 9-15 record, with 31 interceptions.
Smith may have injured his right shoulder in the loss, tackling safety Aaron Williams on an interception return. He underwent an X-ray after the game, but it's doubtful that factored into the decision.
This was a dramatic if not stunning decision by the Jets because it raises serious questions about Smith's future. They drafted him in the second round in 2013 and were grooming him to be their long-term quarterback, but his development has stalled amid a flurry of turnovers.
Vick, who signed a one-year contract last offseason, isn't considered part of the Jets' future. He started six games last season for the Eagles before getting hurt and losing his job to Nick Foles.
General manager John Idzik, who drafted Smith, is a staunch supporter of the second-year quarterback. The decision to bench him indicates that he, too, has lost confidence in Smith or that he simply let Ryan make the call.
The Jets (1-7) have dropped seven straight, and they're desperate for a spark.
Vick was hardly mistake-free against the Bills -- two lost fumbles and an interception -- but at least he rallied the offense to 23 points. Vick is widely respected in the Jets' locker room. Smith's support among teammates has waned.
In five-plus seasons at the Jets' coach, Ryan has benched his starting quarterback only twice. The previous occasion came in 2012, when he replaced the slumping Mark Sanchez with Greg McElroy, bypassing Tim Tebow.
