Michael Vick shows Jets that having speed never gets old
Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) looks for an open receiver during training camp in Cortland, N.Y., Friday, July 25, 2014. Credit: Hans Pennink
Michael Vick proved Saturday that age is just a number -- and speed is very much still a part of his game.
The 34-year-old was 7-for-13 for 47 yards during the Jets' Green and White scrimmage. He also rushed for 35 yards -- including a 20-yard burst that drew cheers from the SUNY Cortland crowd.
"I just wanted to see how I was going to move," Vick said after the intrasquad game. "You always want to test your instincts, and you never know what the feel of the game is going to be or how you are going to react to certain blitzes and pressure.
"I felt I moved real well in the pocket. I had some nice runs, and hopefully that will transfer over on to the field."
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Vick likely will open the season as the backup to Geno Smith. But if they're smart, the Jets will find a way to capitalize on Vick's assets -- especially his feet.
"My gosh. The dude can flat fly and we know he can," Rex Ryan said.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson jokingly said, "You try chasing him. He runs pretty well, actually. And he was jogging. Most definitely he was jogging when I was chasing him, so he's still got them legs, man."
Speed and elusiveness have always been a trademark of Vick's game. But now that he's in his mid-30s, does he think he's as fast as ever?
"I don't know," Vick said. "I'll tell you what, I think the conditioning program we have here is exceptional . . . I feel good, I feel quick, I feel fast. At 34, it's amazing I feel as good as I do. I can honestly say there wasn't a day in training camp that I have been sore yet, so credit to the training staff and what they do here."
Although Vick's 20-yard run drew plenty of cheers, the Jets' offense had a dull outing overall. Neither Vick nor Smith was able to lead a touchdown drive, and the only points scored were two field goals.
Like his coach, though, Vick didn't seem too troubled by the inconsistent offense.
"You take it with a grain of salt," he said. "I know coach [Marty] Mornhinweg wanted us to score some points. He called some great plays tonight . . . We just didn't do it on all cylinders.
"I still think we did some productive things, but you know a night like this just makes you want to get back in the film room, study extra hard, get back on the practice field and practice extra hard."
