FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Quarterback Geno Smith hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since before Halloween, but he will continue as the New York Jets' starter.

"As of right now, he's our best shot, in my opinion," coach Rex Ryan said Monday, explaining his decision to stick with the slumping rookie after benching him Sunday at halftime.

Geno Smith was benched Sunday after a disaster of a first half against the Dolphins but will remain the starter for the Jets. Al Bello/Getty Images

Such is the sad state of the Jets' quarterback position.

Ryan opted for Smith over Matt Simms, who committed two turnovers in relief of the ineffective Smith. Veteran journeyman David Garrard, who hasn't taken a regular-season snap in three years, wasn't a consideration, according to a league source.

The Jets (5-7) have dropped three in a row after a surprising start, fueling speculation about Ryan's job security. Every game is critical for Ryan, starting Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, but he continues to entrust the team to a rookie with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions in his last five games.

"I believe in Geno," Ryan said. "I think he has the tools to be a good quarterback in this league. I believe that. Obviously, he's going through some rough times. These last three games haven't been good for him. Quite honestly, it hasn't been good for a lot of us."

Ryan has yanked Smith in three games, but Sunday was the first time he did it with the outcome in doubt -- 6-0 at halftime. Simms, in his first meaningful NFL action, failed to spark the team, as the Jets went on to a 23-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Afterward, Ryan said he needed to watch the tape before making his quarterback choice. On Monday, he admitted the tape served no purpose.

"If we're just looking at that tape, the option doesn't look good for either guy," the coach said.

Smith said he received the news in an early-morning meeting with quarterbacks coach David Lee.

"If it was a tactic to wake me up or get me going, it definitely worked because right now I definitely feel a sense of urgency," said Smith, alluding to his halftime benching.

Smith completed only four of 10 passes for 29 yards and an interception, dropping his passer rating to a league-low 60.4. He leads the league with 23 turnovers and has led the offense to only one touchdown in his last 36 possessions.