Geno Smith saw his name circulate nationally this past week in ways he hadn’t seen in years, especially due to the reason it was being plastered across NFL related story headlines.
When Giants’ coach Bob McAdoo benched long time starter Eli Manning for Smith, Geno was unwillingly thrust into the spotlight and immediately scrutinized before he even suited up against the Raiders yesterday. One of those taking aim at Smith was his former coach Rex Ryan, who was definitely way short of complimentary when talking about Eli’s benching and Geno’s elevation to starter.
“I love Geno Smith. Great guy. I just don’t want him playing quarterback for me.” just Ryan on ESPN.
Well Geno wasn’t having it and decided to clap back before the game.
“I did see one of my ex-coaches say he didn’t want me to be his quarterback, and that really upset me, you know?” said Smith about Rex Ryan. “A guy that we saved his job in 2013, and we fought our ass for him both years, and for him to come out and say that just shows you how much of a coward he is.”
Ryan had drafted Geno out of West Virginia in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft but apparently he never really thought much of him.
“I was just sitting in my room watching because we have the time difference,” Smith said. “So I am just watching a little bit of football and, you know, see that happened, and it is like, wow, the guy, first of all, you drafted me. Second of all, you started me. Third of all, I went out there, and I gave you everything I had, and then you go out and say that. It’s unfortunate.”
Geno later apologized through Twitter but both sides had already said what they said.
Geno on Twitter
Will be better next week in all areas I apologize to #GiantsNation for my postgame comments and not getting it done today.
Next up will be more ESPN broadcasts for Rex and another tough week for Geno Smith as they prepare for their hated division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Nothing like starting the week with distraction.
