Matt

Simms

Son of Phil and brother of Chris, Matt attempted just 267 career passes for the Vols. The Jets’ fifth quarterback behind Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Greg McElroy and G.J. Kinne, Simms has an almost zero percent chance of cracking New York’s 53.

“Should Geno (Smith) struggle, worth watching,” Schefter reported. Simms is a 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Tennessee. He beat out Greg McElroy for the Jets’ backup job in August, finishing the preseason with a 74.6 completion rate and 8.1 yards-per-attempt average without a turnover on 59 throws, albeit against deep backups. Smith has been the weak link on a Jets team that has otherwise been better than people expected. If Smith keeps giving the ball to the other team, the Jets’ offensive staff may have to seriously contemplate a switch. Geno has five turnovers through two games.

“Well, I think there are a lot of guys that like Simms, I don’t think there’s any doubt, but to say as our starting quarterback? I don’t see that,” Ryan said. “Again, I’m obviously saying that that couldn’t happen, but we see Geno as our starting quarterback now, and that’s how we see it. We like Matt -- or Phil, if you want.” The Jets are going to ride or die with Geno Smith.

McElroy’s injury caused the flailing Jets to sign Graham Harrell. Mark Sanchez (shoulder) won’t play in the preseason finale and Geno Smith can’t play because the Jets might need him for Week 1. Matt Simms is expected to start Thursday.

Simms will enter the season backing up Geno Smith, at least until Mark Sanchez (shoulder) returns. “This young man has really improved now ... oh, my goodness,” said Rex of Simms. “Clearly, he has arm talent to play in the league. Quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody make the improvements he’s made.” Simms, 24, finished the preseason 44-of-59 (74.6 percent) for 478 yards (8.1 YPA), one touchdown, and zero turnovers. Simms did take a whopping seven sacks in the preseason finale.

McElroy’s fate was sealed when he sustained a mild knee sprain in practice ahead of the preseason finale. That allowed Matt Simms to step up and seize the No. 3 job with a 33-of-44 for 285 yards performance against the Eagles on Thursday night. ESPN has reportedly already reached out to McElroy about being part of College Gameday.

Mark Sanchez never really had a chance. Coach Rex Ryan and the front office have reportedly “moved on” from the overpaid Sanchez, instead choosing to rebuild around their second-round rookie. Once Sanchez injured his throwing shoulder, the decision was easy. Smith backs into the starting role after going 22-of-37 (59.5 percent) for 246 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in the preseason. He did not record any rushing statistics. Even owners in two-quarterback leagues should be able to do better this week. Smith is a virtual lock to struggle against Darrelle Revis and company Sunday.

Judging from Rex’s presser, it seems safe to say Geno Smith will be on an exceedingly short leash in Sunday’s game against Miami. The Dolphins aren’t a very good team, but their defense will be a recommended Week 12 fantasy play.

Simms, 25, appeared in three games this past season, completing 16-of-31 throws (51.6 percent) for 156 yards, one touchdown, an interception, and a lost fumble. Simms was scheduled to become an exclusive rights free agent in March, which meant he was staying with the Jets no matter what. Now it’s official as he’ll play out 2014 on a one-year, $495,000 deal. Once Mark Sanchez is released, Simms will officially be penciled in as the No. 2 quarterback behind Geno Smith. The Jets are expected to add at least one more quarterback to their roster. Simms is a favorite of the Jets’ coaching staff, but lacks starting-caliber NFL tools.

Simms started the second half over a struggling Geno Smith, but was largely ineffective moving the offense. He took three sacks and had two turnovers, with most of his completions coming against prevent defense late in the fourth quarter. It’s clear Simms isn’t an upgrade over Smith, but the benching was needed after the Jets’ brutal first half. With coach Rex Ryan declining to name a starter for Week 14, Smith isn’t a lock to regain his starting job.