NFL New York Jets

Michael Vick Will Be X-Factor For New York Jets In Week 9

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By @RoKnowsDFS

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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

It appears that  Rex Ryan can no longer remain patient with second year  QB Geno Smith as his starter. Ryan has given the former West Virginia star ample opportunities to course-correct his disastrous sophomore campaign, but this past Sunday against the Buffalo Bills was the final straw.

The New York Jets quarterback threw three interceptions within the first 10 minutes of the game and these weren’t the types of INTs where the DBs had to make a spectacular play. These were the types of INTs where it looked as if the Buffalo cornerbacks were a part of the New York receiving corps. This led to the first move that caused the frustrated Jets fans to cheer and that was the benching of Smith for Michael Vick. After all, compared to what the fans saw from Smith, it couldn’t get any worse.

Unfortunately for Vick, he hadn’t taken any first team reps during practice leading up to that game and the rust was evident. In particular, on one play where rookie TE Jace Amaro was wide open, Vick simply missed him and the Jets weren’t able to convert on the play.

Vick also ended up losing two fumbles and throwing an interception, but his turnovers were a bit more understandable than Smith’s gift-wrapped air packages that he was giving to the Bills. On a positive note, Vick led the Jets in rushing yards with 69 and had the longest run of the day for them on a 24-yard scamper. Once the 43-23 massacre was over, the next course of action was a simple decision to make for Ryan as he announced that Vick would be the starting QB for the Jets in their Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Therefore, now that he will get to take first team reps during practice this week, Vick will be much more prepared for game action than he was against the Bills. Even though he is 34 years old now, it must not be forgotten that Vick is still a four-time Pro Bowler and was also the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year. This makes him the ultimate X-Factor in this upcoming road game for the Jets.

Vick still has good speed for his age, albeit not the insane 4.25 40-yard dash speed that he showed off in his twenties. He can also still throw a decent long ball and has perfectly capable targets in Eric Decker, Jace Amaro and the newly-acquired Percy Harvin. The weapons are there and a prepared Vick should never be taken lightly especially since he is still dangerous as a bonafide dual-threat QB.

Naturally, there is concern about the matchup against the Chiefs, since they have an excellent pass rush and their pass coverage is above average. However, their run defense has been a glaring deficiency this season and it’s something that Vick, along with RB Chris Ivory, can take advantage to help open up passing lanes.

There have been many games this season where it could be argued that there are multiple X-Factors, but this isn’t one of those cases. The Jets hopes for a victory on Sunday rest in the hands and feet of Michael Dwayne Vick.

 

Roje Smith is a Fantasy Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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