New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) talks to his teammates before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn. on Dec. 14, 2014.Mark Zaleski/The Associated Press
Michael Vick still thinks of himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Not only that, the 34-year-old New York Jets backup feels he can still play for at least another two years. Where he'll be is the big question.
Vick is a free agent after this season, with his one-year deal with the Jets expiring. He hasn't ruled out returning to New York, but he didn't sound all that enthusiastic about the possibility, either.
"I don't know, I couldn't say right now," Vick said. "I'd have to talk to my agent and see what's the best situation for me. Obviously, this organization has to do what's best for them. I really can't say right now, but hopefully I have a chance to play somewhere and continue to give that effort."
Vick was signed last off-season to be a mentor to Geno Smith and provide the Jets with an experienced backup who was familiar with offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg's system. Smith started the season but struggled, and Vick stepped in and played okay in his three starts before the Jets went back to the second-year quarterback to finish the season.
He showed flashes of the Vick of old, particularly by making plays with his legs. He is 64 of 121 as a passer for 604 yards and three TDs with two interceptions.
"I still feel like I can start," Vick said. "I still feel like I can play at a high level. I think with the right talent around me and good structure, I feel like I can win some games. I still feel like I've got a lot left in the tank. I can't say it's five years' worth, but maybe it's a good, solid two."
A large reason for the lukewarm feelings regarding the Jets could be the uncertainty around the organization. Coach Rex Ryan and his coaching staff, including Mornhinweg, could all be fired next week, along with general manager John Idzik.
Friendly competition
Bengals running back Jeremy Hill leads all NFL rookies in rushing with 1,024 yards. Giants receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., leads all rookies in catches and yards.
The former LSU teammates are leading candidates for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. They're also close friends.
"We talk to each other every day," Hill said. "Really close relationship. We motivate each other. Each time I see him doing big things, it makes me want to elevate my game even more.
"We just push each other, man. That's the way it's been, especially in college when we were right next to each other. It would be back and forth the whole game."
Hill could be considered the Bengals' most valuable player. Receiver A.J. Green has missed three complete games and most of two others because of toe and arm injuries. Running back Giovani Bernard was sidelined for three games with shoulder and hip injuries. Hill has led the offence in their absence, helping the Bengals (10-4-1) clinch a playoff spot as they head into their AFC North title showdown in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Departing is not sweet
Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin goes into the season finale assured his job is secure. Even so, with his team out of the playoff race, he expects to be in a poor frame of mind Monday.
"The day that I don't look forward to the most on the calendar is the day that the players leave the building," Philbin said. "When I drive home Monday, there is an empty feeling. I'm usually in a bad mood when I get home, and my wife is not happy. It's not good."
How does his wife handle the situation?
"She says, 'Go pick up one of the kids, go do this and go do that,'" he said. "Like a good husband, I do whatever she says."
Choose an RB
The late-season re-emergence of Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart could make teammate DeAngelo Williams expendable after the season.
Stewart is running as well as he has at any point in his seven-year NFL career, racking up 437 yards and averaging 5.6 yards per carry over the past four weeks for the Panthers (6-8-1).
Meanwhile, Williams has missed nine games this season with various injuries. He turns 32 in April.
The Panthers have had lots of money tied up in those two running backs over the past few years, making the prospect of releasing them counterproductive to their salary cap. That changes next off-season for Williams.
If the Panthers cut their all-time leading rusher in 2015 they would have to absorb a $2.26-million (U.S.) cap hit, which is more palatable than the $6.6-million cap hit they would have taken had they released him this year, according to sportrac.com.