If Mike Vick has his druthers, he'll be leading an NFL franchise into the fray again next season - he's just not so sure that Geno Smith is capable of doing the same.
Whether or not the theoretical/fictional franchise Vick plans to lead is the New York Jets remains to be seen - his current pact with the team ends this season - but the grizzled veteran is still confident in his abilities, still certain he can lead a team to victory and has no doubt he'll be doing that next year.
"I still feel like I can start," Vick said, according to Brian Costello of The New York Post. "I still feel like I can play at a high level, like I said. I think with the right talent around me and good structure I feel like I can win some games."
Vick started three straight games for the team at one point this season, but performed only adequately at best and eventually succumbed to injury.
"I still feel like I have a lot left in the tank. I can't say it's five years worth, but maybe it's a good solid two. I'm just going to train for that, get ready for that and set my mind-set. If it doesn't happen and I have to grind my way back up to a starting position, then that's what it will be. I think at the end of the day my mind-set is to just continue to play football. I love the game. I want to continue to play until it's all out of me."
Vick is less certain of the future of his signal-calling partner and mentee this season, Smith. When asked how he would evaluate Geno were he a member of the front office, Vick offered lukewarm praise.
"I wouldn't know. Honestly, I wouldn't know," he said. "Hopefully, whoever is doing the evaluations can see what they need to see. ... There's some room for improvement. There is with all of us in this locker room."
Perhaps realizing that he said could be seen in a negative light, Vick quickly added an addendum.
"Don't misconstrue that."
Well played, Mike. Well played.
