Michael Vick is nothing if not aware of the initial pecking order in the New York Jets' quarterbacks race.
The veteran signal-caller reiterated to NFL Media's Kimberly Jones on Wednesday that while Geno Smith gets first dibs on the first-team gig, he still considers himself a starting-caliber quarterback
"It's hard not to," Vick told Jones. "I think, at times, it does hurt deep down that I'm not in that group (of the 32 starting QBs in the NFL). Everything happens for a reason, and maybe it's time for me to just kind of sit back and kind of appreciate what I'm going through now to make me a better quarterback in the future."
When it comes to that future, Vick doesn't believe his tank is at zero.
"I still feel like I have a couple years left," the 33-year-old said. "I still move pretty good, obviously the quarterback position is played from a mental standpoint, so I try to keep that in perspective, so if I keep doing that then I think things will work out for me."
Vick said he enjoys working with Smith -- who the veteran said is loose and keeps him "laughing all the time." Still, Vick knows he's there to help the second-year quarterback improve.
"(Geno) knows I'm going to push him to the limit, and I want him to push me," Vick said. "There's going to be times where he's gonna have to pick me up, where I'm gonna have to pick him up. I'm always gonna be there for him, always gonna help him out, and I think he's done a great job."
The debate over who ultimately will be the Day 1 starting quarterback will be fodder throughout the summer. However, at least for now, Vick appears to know where he stands in New York.
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