The New York Jets didn’t sign free agent Michael
Vick to a one-year deal simply to be a mentor to Geno Smith — New
York expects Vick and Smith to compete for the starting job.
For the second straight year, the Jets will have a full-blown quarterback
competition on their hands at training camp. Last year Smith essentially won by
default when the projected starter, Mark Sanchez, was injured in the preseason..
He was recently cut.
“I would say, ‘yes,’” Coach Rex Ryan said of Vick having a chance to be the
starter for the season opener. “We want that competition. We’ll let it all play
out.”
Smith appears to be the frontrunner. Ryan alluded to the last year’s
second-round draft choice getting the first crack at running with the first team
in organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp later this spring. Smith threw
12 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions as a rookie last season. Vick lost his
starting job in Philadelphia to Nick Foles when he was unable to stay on the
field because of injuries.
Ryan acknowledged that Vick, even at age 33, can still do so much
athletically that most quarterbacks can’t do.
“He’s an unusual guy. He was unusual when he came out of the league because
of how athletic he was but I think he’s definitely still … you see all that
athleticism he has,” Ryan said. “He can still run, moves well in the pocket,
he’s more accurate when throwing from the pocket than he used to be when he came
into the league.”
If Vick doesn’t win the job in training camp, he’ll probably get a chance
at some point, either by injury or ineffectiveness. If Vick becomes the Week 1
starter, let’s be honest, he probably won’t last the season, considering his
durability issues. Chances are, the Jets will need both quarterbacks.
The Jets’ offense could be much better this year. The team already has
added former Broncos receiver Eric Decker and reportedly is in talks with the
Eagles for star receiver DeSean Jackson. There is also talk the Jets are looking
at former Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Here is the full list of the Jets’ 2014 opponents. Here is the full list of
opponents. The schedule will be announced at a later date.
HOME: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Denver, Oakland, Chicago, Detroit,
Pittsburgh
AWAY: Buffalo, Miami, New England, Kansas City, San Diego, Green Bay,
Minnesota, Tennessee
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