Michael Vick can't win.
He entered the offseason determinedto land a starting job, only to be told by the New York Jets that their quarterback competition was riggedin Geno Smith'sfavor.
Vick came to grips with his role over the summer, fading into the background while offering unwavering support for Smith as the face of the Jets' offense.
Smith has always been viewed as general manager John Idzik's guy whereas some members of the coaching staff had visions of Vick running the offense.
In fact, some Jets coaches have "privately expressed disappointment that Vick didn't show up more hell-bent on winning the starting job," according to TheMMQB.com's Jenny Vrentas. At the very least, they wanted Vick to make the decision tough for coach Rex Ryan, adds Vrentas.
That's interesting logic.
The coaching staff set Vick up for failure. Now they're holding it against him that he's accepting of his role as Smith's mentor and caddy.
"The last five years I spent in Philly, I had some great years and played in some great games and went through a lot," Vick explained. "Now it's an opportunity for me to refresh myself and take a step back away from the game."
Make no mistake, Vick *wants* to start. But he also understands that's not going to happen unless Smith falls flat on his face.
"I'm kind of relishing the moment that I'm in right now," Vick added. "I am not required to have to do a lot. Preserving my body right now is very important to me, and making sure I can make a strong push late in my career in case I am needed."
Vick has adopted the ideal attitude for a veteran backup, ready to shed the visor and clipboard at a moment's notice. If the Jets coaches wanted a more cutthroat Vick, they should should have opened the competition.
*The "Around the League Podcast" AFC Season Preview is here. You're welcome. *
