New York Jets’ Film Room: Michael Vick Still Has “It”

Nov 9, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(1) scrambles against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s go inside the film room a bit, and take a look at one of the big plays from Sunday’s game against the Steelers. This was the second start for Michael Vick as a member of the New York Jets. This is a player that has caused a lot of debate with Jets fans far and wide. Some loved the signing, some hated it. Some said he could be a great addition, and give the Jets the best chance to win. Some said that Vick is as big of a turnover machine as Geno Smith.

However, one thing we learned as we watched Vick play on Sunday is that he still has “it”. Both with his arm, and the ability to make a ball-fake, Vick can get the job done. We are going to take a look at the Jets one play second drive in the game to illustrate what I mean.

Michael Vick is under center, with Chris Ivory straight back behind him. On the snap, Ivory is going to move to the left as if he is going to take a handoff and run off-tackle. Vick is going to run a “play-fake”, faking the stretch play to Ivory, instead, tucking the ball in and setting up to unload the deep ball. Move ahead.

Here is Vick extending the ball, selling the handoff/stretch play to Chris Ivory. Watch how he hides the football as well as anybody, and check out the reaction of James Harrison and company.

See how well it was sold? It truly does look like Chris Ivory has the football. Check out the reaction on the right side of the Steelers’ defense.

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James Harrison is so convinced by the Michael Vick fake that he is going to attempt and tackle Chris Ivory. While all that is happening, Vick is getting ready to throw one deep. Here is where his arm takes over.

T.J. Graham is heading down the field with inside position on the defender. Following the great play-fake, Vick has the gun loaded and ready to fire. In this case, the veteran lets it go for a pass that ends up travelling 55 yards in the air.

T.J. Graham makes the catch in stride and takes it the distance for a 67 yard touchdown pass.

He may not be the future of the franchise, but Michael Vick has still got it. With a ball fake, running and scrambling, or firing the long ball, Vick can still get it done.