Michael Vick Appreciates Having The Chance To Start

Michael Vick became the first ever NFL quarterback to rush for 6,000 yards, and he did so in his second start of the season. However for Vick, there were no guarantees he would get the chance to reach such a milestone. He came to the Jets with the understanding that Geno Smith was the starter, John Idzik may have promoted his mantra of competition, however in reality everyone wanted to see Smith start.

With Geno struggling in his second season with the Jets, Michael Vick will start his 3rd game of the season when the Jets take on the Bills, whether that be Sunday or Monday, in Buffalo or Detroit. Vick's last game against Detroit ended in defeat on the 26th of October as he failed to record a touchdown and tossed an interception in the 43-23 loss in New Jersey.

Speaking to reporters, Vick commented:

"I walked off the field with mixed emotions," Vick said. "I think the only thing I could think about was the mistakes I made. Was I going to get an opportunity to do it again? I kind of felt like I would because there were some good things that I did, but ultimately the turnovers overrode everything. I was just glad I got a chance to start against Kansas City and I just really wanted to take advantage of it."

Following that defeat, some fans questioned whether Vick was an upgrade over Geno Smith at all, after all he had come in for a relief appearance and laid a duck. However that didn't stop Vick from believing in his own ability and being thankful for the chance to start in the NFL

"I've embraced each and every day," Vick said. "Not just the games, not practice, the meetings, travel the preparation -- everything that came along with it. I didn't know if I'd ever have this chance again. I don't want to let my teammates down, I don't want to let myself down. Set high expectations for myself and I'm just trying to fulfill that and have fun doing it as the same time."

For the majority of his career, Vick has not only been the starting quarterback, he's been a star. First in Atlanta and then again in Philadelphia. Unfortunately the reality of father time meant Vick needed to adjust his perspective on his football career, he was no longer the desired prospect, he was the veteran, brought in to teach a young signal caller the ropes.

Following the game against Buffalo, Vick hinted that he pay not have been as prepared as he should have been. After all, taking scout team reps was largely a foreign concept for Michael, and it did take some getting used to:

"I miss it man," Vick said. "I miss everything about playing the quarterback position everything about the week of preparation, everything about game day, being with the guys -- helping them get better, helping to understand one another, creating understanding in the film room. Everything that goes along that goes along with this position is difficult and I think I just like the challenge. I look for to each and every day I get up and one thing I'll never do is never take it for granted again."

The reality for this Jets football team is this, to win football games we simply can't turn the ball over. Vick has started the last two games and he has 0 interceptions, this is a small sample size but it's also relevant. If we don't turn the ball over and force some turnovers ourselves, we have every chance to cause upsets most weeks.

Vick has been in the NFL for 12 years now and in only 5 of those year has he had more than 10 interceptions in a season. He can limit turnovers and he can make the right decisions. For the Jets to win games this year, he'll need to ensure he protects the football.