The name of Tim Tebow might still haunt some New York Jets fans after the failed quarterback experiment. The team attempted to work in Tebow on a specific "package of players" while Mark Sanchez was the starting quarterback. That went nowhere and the result was both Tebow and Sanchez being off the team shortly after. Now with Geno Smith and Michael Vick at the quarterback position, is the "package of plays" coming back for the Jets' offense?
Some may say Vick was the original Tebow in the sense that he really put the idea of a "mobile quarterback" on the map. Vick became known for his ability to throw and pass until he became more known for his reoccurring injuries. After getting signed to the New York Jets, Vick continues to stress that he can easily start at quarterback for the team and believes he is still an elite player in the NFL despite what his stats say.
"I still feel like I'm a premier quarterback in this league," Vick said, via ESPN.com. "The thing that popped up when I heard that is, it's going to be very important for me to get mental reps. For any athlete out there in the country, when you're not getting the reps with the 1s, mental reps with the 2s are just as important. I can't lose sight of that."
Vick might get the opportunity to show those things in a package of plays that was designed for Tebow. According to offensive coordinator Mike Tannenbaum, Vick will have an expanded role in the offense whether he is the starter or not. They are drawing up specific plays geared towards his athleticism in hopes of bringing another dynamic to the offense.
"I think the Vick signing makes sense on a couple other levels. One, Michael Vick's been to the highs and the lows in the NFL, and that wisdom and experience is important, that's so valuable that he can pass along to Geno Smith," Tannenbaum said, via NFL.com. "But there's another part that I know is really important to Rex Ryan, which is Michael Vick's gonna play this year ... he likes when the ball is in the hands of the quarterback that can make plays either throwing or running. And it may be five plays one game, it may be 25 another game. But he is going to put pressure on the defense by giving the ball to a quarterback that can make plays with his feet."
Can Vick do a better job than Tebow? That remains to be seen. One thing is certain, the Jets are Smith's team. Despite being told he would have a chance to compete for the starting job, Vick is the backup quarterback, no questions asked. Now he just aims to do well with what is being given.
