Michael Vick or Kellen Clemens: Who Is The Better Backup QB Option?

by Xander Diaz on Jul 24, 2009 12:00 PM EDT

Recently, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson shot down the idea of the team picking up Michael Vick should he be available.

"We’ve got Kellen Clemens and now we have the young Mark Sanchez. I think we’re good on quarterbacks." – NY Jets Owner Woody Johnson

Yes, we have Kellen Clemens at the ready to back up young Mark Sanchez, but is he the best option?

I hate to beat up on the man but lets face it, if Sanchez goes down and we have to depend on Clemens or Ainge for the rest of the season, you will most likely hear the collective groan from the tri-state area all the way in Timbuktu.

Obvious, a lot has to happen for Vick to even be an option but assuming he meets all requirements and is allowed to play, I can’t think of a better option as back up than Michael Vick.

It is true that he hasn’t played in a game since 2006, but at only 29 years of age Michael still has some good tread left on the old tires. I’m not saying he will be the same Vick we all thought we knew and loved but I’m betting he’s still got plenty in the tank.

Try not to forget that before all this drama, Vick was easily one of the most dynamic and electrifying players in the entire league.

As Michael Irvin recently put it,

"Michael Vick was 10 steps ahead of every quarterback when it came to running the ball. Maybe now he’s only three steps ahead…"

Just imagine what that wildcat formation would look like with Vick in the line up.

I’m not in any way proposing that he come in and some how supplant Sanchez…Sanchez is our future. This I truly believe, but I see having Vick standing behind the youngster with a clipboard as a way more comforting thought than seeing Clemens in the same position.

As long as Vick and Sanchez only talk football…hate to see the kid get mixed up in some cock fighting operation or something.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

Poll

Do you think Michael Vick could be a better option at back up QB for the Jets than current back up Kellen Clemens?

Even on his worst day, Vick is a way better option.

171 votes

I have no idea, but it might be fun finding out!

57 votes

No way! Why is everyone so down on poor Clemens?!

120 votes

348 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

How is this even close? Vick has playoff wins, a conference championship game under his belt, three pro bowls, his career rush yards are only behind Cunningham and Young. No offense, but Clemens has done nothing up to this point. I’d prefer Vick starting, but if we can get him and use him in the Wildcat thats fine too.

by Mark D on Jul 24, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

Just a counter point to what Irvin said, when was the last time you saw someone come out of prison in WORSE shape then when they got in?

by Mark D on Jul 24, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s a long time to be away from a game as complex, fast and physical as football, especially with coaches, players & schemes changing from year to year. I think the big question with Vick returning to the starting lineup is just how long will it take him to get up to game speed? If he gets into camp at the start, will he be ready to play this year? There’s no answer for that, we’ll just have to wait & see and with that comes the huge gamble a team must be willing to make.

by outofhand on Jul 24, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

That may be true..

but there is a HUGE difference between being in shape and being in FOOTBALL shape.

Xander is a staff writer for AFCBeast.com - The Best Damn Jets Fan Site Ever!

by Xander Diaz on Jul 24, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

So true. A big part of the QB position is timing. Two years away from the game has probably done a number on that.

Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
http://www.ganggreennation.com

by John B on Jul 24, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

I think that regardless of whether or not he’d be the primary backup or not, and also completely ignoring the fact that he’s a terrible human being for what he did, I would LOVE to have Vick as a wildcat formation QB on the squad. Just think about how brutal that would be.

Man, isn’t it kind of ironic that the PERFECT wildcat QB got himself pwned right before it took off in the NFL?

by Exystence on Jul 24, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

Then whats your view on Ray Lewis or Donte Stallworth? Stallworth served 24 days for killing a HUMAN Being.

PETA made this a bigger issue then it was just because it gave them more publicity. If this was supposed to slow down the dog fighting rings in the south it hasn’t, its still a part of the culture and will continue to be. When cops have drugs, murderers, gangbangers and so on to deal with, they aren’t going to be dealing with dog fightiing rings.

by Mark D on Jul 24, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree 100 percent

On the Peta crap, if only we had people protecting humans like they do dogs

On another note

COME ON WOODY, GROW SOME BALLS, TAKE A CHANCE, WE HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE, VICK AND BURRESS WOULD FORM AN AMAZING COMBO AND MAKE FOR A GREAT SHOW. If he wants to sell tickets for his new joint, then he better sign both of them. I’d be willing to pay to 80 bucks if I got to see Vick run around like a mad man, even if we missed the playoffs for the third straight year

by Civardi on Jul 24, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Great point on Stallworth

I can’t get over how the media overlooks what the guy did. They want to destroy Plaxico for doing something stupid to HIMSELF, but you barely hear a word about Stallworth.

Editor-In-Chief
Gang Green Nation
SB Nation's Jets Blog
http://www.ganggreennation.com

by John B on Jul 24, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Plax’s problem is two fold.

he was already a problem child

Mayor Bloomberg had already made a big deal about busting people for carrying guns without permits, especially in clubs. There are very few NYC residents who are actually have permits to carry guns.

Obviously I don’t know what Stallworth was up to that might have been trouble before this, but he’s someone the average fan in the NFL knows of, but he’s not a mainstream name. Same with Ray Lewis, he was a name the average fan knew but not mainstream before winning the Super Bowl. Not only did Plax catch the winning Super Bowl, but his name was plastered all over the place the few days before when he predicted they would win.

I think if the legal battle wasn’t so ongoing, had the city said “look, he only shot himself, he’s an idiot and learned a lesson” then he’d probably be signed already. But Bloomberg said he’s going to enforce the NYC gun laws and Plax had the bad luck to be the first big name to break them.

The other problem with Stallworth is I get the feeling its in everyone’s best interest to keep it quiet. Theres a lot of thugs and gangstas in the NFL, but I’m sure the NFL leans on the networks which need the NFL ratings to keep it quiet. So letting everyone blow up about Plax or Vick who are both superstars are one thing, but when people start blowing up about the average guys or might be interested to start digging more, thats where the NFL puts its foot down.

by Mark D on Jul 25, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I had the same thoughts about

what Vick did vs what someone like Dante Stallworth did but then I read this and it did make me think about this situation in a slightly different light. Can’t say it changed my mind about the Jets going for it but I do see it in a whole new light now.

Xander is Editor-In-Chief for AFCBeast.com - The Best Damn Jets Fan Site Ever!

by Xander Diaz on Jul 25, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Okay, you may not PLAN to commit Vehicular Manslaughter, but when you drunk drive its something thats going to happen evantully.

Out of all the crimes that have been committed by NFL players, has anyone gotten a lifetime ban? I mean just look at Lawrence Phillips and all the chances he got, meanwhile he never produced and already had a godawful track record in school.

Vick’s not a saint, but you can’t say he hasn’t served his time. When was the last time an active NFL player on the caliber that Vick is spent this much time in jail? I think justice has been served.

by Mark D on Jul 25, 2009 2:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Well Ray Lewis was found innocent and I don’t really know too many details about that case so I can’t really pass judgment on him, but it definitely has cast a shadow over my opinion of him. As for Donte Stallworth, he’s an irresponsible asshole who should never be allowed to play in the NFL again.

Now trust me, I’m no PETA supporter or anything like that at all, but killing animals when they can’t provide some form of twisted, sick entertainment for you anymore is pretty damn terrible. I know it really doesn’t do anything when you consider the big picture, but you can’t tell me that what he did wasn’t repulsive.

But even then, I’m willing to look past that because I want the Jets to win so bad :S plus maybe he really is repentant.

by Exystence on Jul 25, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions

A yo, I would love Vick to come to gang green but it’s not going to happen , hand’s down he’s a
better QB then Kellen, let’s hope Sanchez is better then both of them.OVER AND OUT BOMBERJET!!

by bomberjet on Jul 24, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

Who ever is smart enough to sign Vick will win!

I’m glad others see the fact that Vick served his time and still deserves to go to work like everyone else. He’s a football player and that’s how he earns his living. It’s not just a priviledge to play it takes hard work, dedication and commitment. He didn’t win a football lottery and was plucked off of the street. At the end of the day he’s a human being just like everyone else. He just motivated himeself to the point of being a professional athlete! Many others have done far worst crimes and served their time and retured o society as productive citizens. On that note Woody take a good look in the mirror and stare at what you see. Swallow the lump in your throat and tell yourself LET’S DO THIS!

So Mote It Be!

by TonyG68 on Jul 25, 2009 6:58 AM EDT reply actions

Don't know what you guys are thinking!!!

Mike Vick is a QB!and a former NFL star and was MVP of a NFL team,cover of madden etc.What’s the debate?Sorry for those who are offended (mainly Non football fans!!)Mike vick is still the most electrifying and dangerous QB out there and it’s silly to put him behind two wanna be NFL QB’s?People need to understand if it where not for high brows and Peta Mike Vick would be one of the top ten NFL QB’s.You guys need to stop it.When the tuna gets mike vick in camp he will not only get a spot on the roster but by the end of the season “Michael vick will take the starter spot”So lets stop trying to be politically correct and talk football pound for pound Michael Vick is more proven then any QB on the Jets roster and a better then a broke down Brett favre any giving Sunday

Only thing good come from New england is chowder all else get the middle finger!!

by Jets belong in NY on Jul 25, 2009 11:07 AM EDT reply actions