The New York Jets start training camp this week looking to fix last season’s 8-8 outcome.
Jets GM Idzik added key pieces to the team in hopes of making that fix possible. Gang green added an established playmaker at wide receiver in Eric Decker, they upgraded the running back position by signing Chris Johnson, and they added a veteran presence at quarterback by signing former Philadelphia Eagle Michael Vick to their roster.
New York also worked the draft this spring and selected Calvin Pryor out of Louisville and tight end Jace Amaro and cornerback Dexter McDougle.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith is pleased with the additions to the team and the ability to connect with his teammates in his second season. “The position that we’re in right now, we’re still building that chemistry,” Smith told The Source. “As of right now, we’re levels from where we were this time last year. “
Check Out Geno’s Highlights From Last Season
Smith caught up with The Source in between hosting his Geno Smith Football ProCamp at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Smith and ProCamps partnered up with the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) public benefit corporation and gave scholarships for 15 teens to attend camp.
The Source: You’ve got new guys on your team in the offseason. How is the chemistry?
Geno Smith: The chemistry is phenomenal within our locker room—from the coaches on down to the general manager to Woody [Johnson]. Everybody is really on the same page with everything. We’re working hard, we’re competing hard, and guys are getting better. I can see it every day. I was here last year and with the competition, I can see a total difference from last year to this year and it shows.
The Source: Where do you assess where you are from year one to year two in taking command of the offense?
Geno Smith: It started last year during the season—you’re going to get better. From year one to year two, I don’t expect to be in the same spot. Next year I’ll be better than I was this year. I’m just focused on taking it one step at a time, one day at a time and not worried about the overall outcome.
The Source: Your teammate Calvin Pryor came out and said, ‘we hate the Patriots, we hate Tom Brady and the Giants.’ What do you think about your rivalry with the New England Patriots?
Geno Smith: I feel that way. But I feel however my head coach feels (laughs). It’s not going to change and quite honestly I believe that on the field, there’s no friends in football. When you’re on the field, whoever that opposing team, if they’re not wearing the same uniform, there’s some form of—I wouldn’t say hatred that’s a hard word to use—but we don’t like that team for obvious reasons. You want to win and they want to win and someone has to lose. That’s what it comes down to for me.
The Source: What’s some of the best advice that Michael Vick has given you?
Geno Smith: We’ve always had positive conversations. He’s a very positive guy. A ten-plus year veteran in this league, he’s a guy that I’ve always looked to for advice. So far what he’s given me is something that I know, but he’s given me that good honest competition. We’re competing amongst one another, we’re trying to make our team better and overall it’s been pretty fun to be with the guys that are just as humble as Mike.
Geno and the Jets will report for training camp at SUNY Cortand on Wednesday with their first open camp on Thursday at 10 AM.
