New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has revealed that he has confidence that he can retain his starter's place at the club next season.
Smith replaced Mark Sanchez at quarterback for the Jets last season following an injury to the veteran signal-caller, but had an inconsistent campaign.
Despite Smith improving towards the end of the year, head coach Rex Ryan refused to confirm him as the starter for the 2014 campaign.
"The confidence I have in myself, this is my job," Smith told ESPN. "It just means more competition. It gives me that fire I've always had in me.
"It's going to make me work harder, make me tougher, make me work that much harder in [organised team activities] if I have someone to compete against."
The 23-year-old threw for 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in his 16 games in his rookie season.