Geno Smith is many things, oblivious isn't one of them.

As the quarterback of a team sitting 2-11, Smith is well aware of those who doubt his ability to lead the New York Jets in the future. He hears the calls for him to be benched, and the want for the team to lose out the remainder of the season in order to gain a top draft pick. A pick, many hope, will be used on a quarterback.

Knowing that, Smith has to be a little offended, no?


 

"A little bit, a little bit" Smith said. "But, you can't worry about that. I'm just going out there and doing what I have to do to win the game. I can't make any decisions on anything other than that. I'm just focused on doing my job." 

As was the case his rookie year, 2014 for Smith has been another case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. At times, Smith has looked like he can be one of the better quarterbacks in the league. He's a player that has the strong arm and accuracy, the ability to put the ball wherever he wants, whenever he wants, and make all the throws. 

It's the good Smith that Geno himself has said shown "Pro Bowl-caliber" flashes. But, as Jets coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday, there are times when Smith just simply "hasn't." 

In his career, Smith has thrown 20 interceptions in 27 career games. He's also fumbled seven times. It's the consistency aspect that Smith is searching for but has yet to find. 

"I believe I have the tools," Smith said. "It just takes consistency and I've been very inconsistent in my time here." 

The issue is New York can't afford to wait much longer on Smith, which is what makes drafting a quarterback early so appealing. The ups-and-downs of a young quarterback's career are the same peaks and valleys that can cost coaches, and others, their jobs. The NFL is a "win now" league. Unless the team shows signs of improvement, the mentality is often times to 'move on.' 

Last year, Smith led the Jets to an 8-8 record. This year, it seems entirely plausible the team finishes 2-14. Smith, and the Jets under him, have gotten worse, not better. 

Ryan said he believes it's a case of not "if," but "when" Smith turns the corner. The problem is, Ryan most likely won't be there to see 'Good Geno' take over, if that even happens in New York. 

To this point, Smith has only shown glimpses that he can be New York's quarterback of the future. There are drives, quarters and games that leave fans longing for more, but the' more' just hasn't come. Now four years removed from the team's last postseason appearance, Jets owner Woody Johnson has his patience wearing thin. 

New York presently sits tied with five other teams for the worst record in the NFL. Like the Jets, the Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also have just two wins. Jacksonville and Oakland took quarterbacks early in last year's draft. Tennessee and Tampa Bay each need one. 

The Jets face the Titans on Sunday. If New York loses, it will put itself in prime position to select either Florida State's Jameis Winston, or Oregon's Marcus Mariota, in May's draft, assuming both player's declare. Winston is the reigning Heisman Trophy Winner. Mariota is the favorite to win the trophy this year.

From the moment NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the Jets are on the clock, New York will have a decision to make. Does it wait for Smith to turn the corner? Or pull the plug and start from scratch. 

For now, Smith's not worried about that. He's focused on what he can control. Before New York is even given the opportunity to draft a quarterback, it needs to finish its final three games of the season. 

"You always have to worry about your job security," Smith said. "But, it all comes down to production. You want players that are producing and the quarterback position is very vital to the team's success. 

"All I can do is go out there and play well. That's the only way I can prove anything. I can't make decisions for anyone, or make any decisions other than the ones that are on the field. I just do my job and let the chips fall where they may." 

The article will also appear in Saturday's Journal Inquirer 

Connor Hughes is the New York Jets beat writer for About.com Sports. He can be reached on twitter: @Connor_J_Hughes, or via email: Connor_J_Hughes@yahoo.com