Bell: Michael Vick is Jets' new definition of hope

Bell: Michael Vick is Jets' new definition of hope
All of these years later, it's still about hope for Michael Vick.
Now it's just a different type of hope.
A few years ago, Vick hoped to get a crack at another job in the NFL after his activity in a heinous dogfighting ring was exposed and resulted in a 21-month
prison stint.
This time, the job search didn't hinge on the image-rehab factor.
It's essential football: Can Vick put it all together again and produce magic?
The New York Jets, and their long-suffering fans, know all about hope. The Jets gambled with Brett Favre, rolled with Mark Sanchez. One day, someone woke up
and thought Tim Tebow was a good idea.
THE MOVE: Michael Vick in, Mark Sanchez out
NOW WHAT? Top five destinations for Sanchez
Last year, they drafted Geno Smith.
Now here comes Vick.
This is a good move for the Jets, better than pursuing Matt Schaub or even Josh McCown, given the hope factor. Vick, when he's on, can still be so electric.
He showed that in flashes last season with the Eagles, initially winning the job over Nick Foles.
THE Q: Vick gives Rex Ryan the fallback he lacked
IMPACT: Does move stunt Geno Smith's growth?
The obvious swing factor with Vick — even more so than when he was younger and just as much as the potential for turnovers — is whether he will stay
healthy with that multi-dimensional style that can produce electricity and heartbreak. He lost the Eagles job after an injury opened the door for Foles to
come in and light it up.
One way or another, if Vick wins the job over Smith, it will be temporary. Maybe Vick gives the Jets an extended period of time to allow Smith to develop in
the wings. It's more likely that Vick, who turns 34 in June, will win the job and then suffer some injury that opens the door for Smith to play.
I'm not wishing anything bad for Vick. I'm just considering the history. He's played a full 16-game season just once in his career, way back in 2006.
Sure, the team has invited another quarterback controversy in its midst. Given the Big Apple media glare, the controversy — or just the threat of
controversy — promises to more intense than elsewhere.
That's just the way it is with the Jets, and Rex Ryan won't run from that.
Yet budding controversy or not, Vick walks in the door already knowing the system run by offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg — putting him far ahead of
the curve than he would have been had he left the Eagles for a team besides the Jets.
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