Heading into a 2014 season where his job may be on the line, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan had a decision to make regarding his starting quarterback. His two leading candidates were second-year man Geno Smith, who was inconsistent as a rookie in 2013, and oft-injured former Philadelphia Eagle Michael Vick, who signed with the team in the offseason.

Ryan’s choice was made a bit easier when Smith had a relatively strong preseason, taking around 80 percent of the first-team snaps. The West Virginia alum made the decision all but a foregone conclusion in the Jets’ 35-24 preseason Week 3 loss to the New York Giants last night (August 22, 2014), throwing a touchdown pass and earning the endorsement of Ryan:

“He’s done everything that we’ve asked. This is no slight to Mike Vick, believe me,” Ryan said. “I wanted to come out of this knowing we had two really good quarterbacks that we can win games with, and I know, in my heart, that we have two we can win with. I think he’s taken off from where he left off..” – via FOX Sports

Vick also looked solid against the Giants, completing 4 of 5 passes with a score to newly signed wide receiver Eric Decker. But the fragile veteran is relishing his backup role, and will be ready to come in should Smith get hurt.

For his part, Smith was accepting of the starting role but also humble, noting that he’s still trying to get better:

“It’s a big deal,” he said. “But nothing’s going to change for me. … I think I did some good things, but I’ve got work to do.”

Indeed he does. With the Jets set to face an uphill battle against the dominant New England Patriots in the AFC East, can Smith or Vick lead them to the playoffs in 2014?