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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Geno Smith is staying put as the New York Jets starting quarterback. His hold on the job, however, is tenuous at best. "Hes our best shot, in my opinion," coach Rex Ryan said. Ryan confirmed Monday that hes sticking with the rookie despite Smiths struggles in the last several games. "I believe in Geno," Ryan said. "I think he has the tools to be a good quarterback in this league." Smith wasnt surprised when he was told Monday morning by quarterbacks coach David Lee that he would start the home game Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. "Every day I come into this building, I fully expect to play," Smith said. "I prepare that way. When I got the news, it wasnt a major reaction." Smith was benched in favour of Matt Simms at halftime of the Jets 23-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins following another brutal performance. The rookie was 4 for 10 for 29 yards with an interception and an 8.3 quarterback rating in two quarters. "If it was a tactic to wake me up or get me going," Smith said, "it definitely worked because right now I definitely feel a sense of urgency." He has one touchdown pass -- against New England on Oct. 20 -- and 11 interceptions in his last seven games. The Jets (5-7) have lost three straight to go from controlling their playoff destiny a few weeks ago to barely hanging on in the post-season mix. Still, Smith will get the start against Oakland over Simms and veteran David Garrard, who hasnt played a regular-season game since 2010. "His perseverance is impressive to me," Ryan said about Smith. "Hell bounce back from this, and Im just waiting for him to have a great game." Simms said he was anxious coming to the facility, not knowing if he would get his first NFL start or remain Smiths backup -- at least for the next game. "Obviously, when you get out there on the field and you get a little taste of the real action, all you want is you want more of it," Simms said. "But nonetheless, Genos the man and Im going to support him and prepare like I have been. "If my numbers called again, then Ill go out there and play as hard I can again." Smith was booed loudly by the MetLife Stadium crowd at times before being replaced by Simms. The son of former Giants star Phil Simms was cheered as he jogged onto the field to start the third quarter, but didnt fare much better. He was 9 for 18 for 79 yards with an interception, and was sacked three times. "I did enough to solidify that Im still the (backup)," Simms said, smiling. "So, at least I didnt play myself out of my job, so thats the key." Garrard spoke to Smith on the sideline after the benching, encouraging him to continue to cheer for the team and keep his spirits up. The veteran also thinks Smith will be able to bounce back. "He has it in him," Garrard said. "I think these are the growing pains of a young quarterback. Being able to play your way out of it is also going to be another good lesson for him too moving forward with his career. He has to find somewhere to dig down." While Smith is getting the bulk of the criticism among the players, the fact is there are several other culprits in the Jets recent spiral. The offensive line has been inconsistent, the defence -- particularly the secondary -- has been uncharacteristically leaky and the spate of injuries to key players on offence has left a dearth of top talent on the field. "Hes only struggling because were not helping him out," left guard Willie Colon said. "Thats the bottom line." After watching the film, Ryan reiterated what he said Sunday of the teams play against the Dolphins, calling it "just a poor performance on our part." The Dolphins dominated during the first two quarters, outgaining the Jets 265 yards to 39, with 16 first downs to New Yorks 2. Miami took control in the second half and finished by outgaining New York 453-177. "Obviously, hes going through some rough times," Ryan said about Smith. "These last three games havent been good for him. Quite honestly, it hasnt been good for a lot of us." NOTES: Ryan said KR-WR Josh Cribbs shoulder injury is "pretty bad. I think its pretty serious." The Jets could be in the market for a kick returner, especially since Ryan indicated that Antonio Cromartie (four returns, 31.5 yard average) wouldnt be an ideal option since hes the teams top cornerback. ... Ryan said S Ed Reed, off to a slow start with the Jets, will continue to start "unless hes injured." ... WR Santonio Holmes only played two snaps after sitting out all week with a hamstring injury. "We thought he was going to play a little more than that," said Ryan, who added that the coaches noticed "that burst wasnt quite there." MAYS LANDING, N.J. -- Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice pleaded not guilty Thursday to assault charges stemming from an incident with his then-girlfriend in an Atlantic City casino elevator. His lawyer said Rice is "ashamed" and "sorry" about his conduct but would not specify exactly what Rice did. After the five-minute court hearing, Rice applied for New Jerseys pretrial intervention program, which allows for charges to be dismissed against first-time offenders who participate in the program and meet certain conditions. The county prosecutor will decide whether Rice is allowed to enter the program. If not, prosecutors have offered Rice a plea bargain that would spare him jail time if he participates in anger management counselling. "Hes ashamed of his conduct and hes sorry for what he did," attorney Michael Diamondstein told reporters outside the courthouse. "There was a disagreement between him and his wife," Diamondstein said. "He made a mistake. He loves Janay and wants to move forward. This was a momentary lapse of reason." Security video obtained by TMZ Sports shows Rice removing the motionless body of Janay Palmer from an elevator at Revel Hotel Casino on Feb. 15. She did not comment as the two walked into the courthouse. The couple married a day after Rice was indicted. If convicted, Rice could face three to five years in prison. The former Rutgers star walked to the courthouse holding hands with Palmer. He said he is a "happy father and a happy husband.&quuot; When asked by reporters what he hoped would happen, Rice responded, "for you all to have a blessed day.ddddddddddddquot; Originally, Palmer and Rice were charged with simple assault, but the Atlantic County prosecutors office reviewed the case and dropped the charge against Palmer. A grand jury lodged the more serious charge of aggravated assault against Rice. Through her lawyer, Palmer has indicated she does not want the case to proceed. But prosecutor Diane Ruberton said Palmers co-operation is not crucial to it. "Im confident with the evidence we have that I could secure a conviction at trial, with or without her," Ruberton said. She said prosecutors have additional video evidence beyond what was published by the website, but she would not describe its contents. Ruberton said Rices celebrity played no role in the case, adding that plea deals are routinely offered to defendants charged with third-degree crimes, as is the case with Rice. Diamondstein said he expects a decision on whether Rice will be allowed into pretrial intervention within the next few weeks. "Hes an excellent candidate for it," he said. "Hes just a high-character individual. Hes a good guy." The conditions of pretrial intervention would include staying out of trouble for a year, as well as undergoing counselling and remaining gainfully employed, the attorney said. "Theyve been going to counselling and working on some of the issues they have," Diamondstein said. "Theyre very happy." ' ' '