New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has insisted that there is a competition between Geno Smith and Michael Vick to become the team's starting quarterback.
Ryan was reacting to comments made last week by Vick, who said that he "assumed" Smith would be the starter after holding the position last season.
However, Ryan has stated that Smith's position is not yet set in stone, and that Vick has every chance of ousting him if he shows his ability in training camp.
He said: "I think there is competition. There's no doubt. As a coach, you love it, because it's great having competition, and obviously you compete in this league with everybody. But when you have competition in your own room, that's what brings out the best in everybody. And it's an ideal situation for a coach.
"Let's let it play out. One thing we know for certain is that a player, and not just a quarterback, but any position, the guy that we think will give us the best opportunity to win will be the guy to start.
"I've said from Day One that Geno's going to be hard to beat out. But I also said that Mike's going to have an opportunity to compete and he definitely will."
Smith finished last season with 3,046 passing yards for 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, while ex-Philadelphia Eagles man Vick lost his position in the team to Nick Foles.
