The Facts: Appearing on Friday’s PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio, HC Rex Ryan said the team considered signing Vick, but decided against it due to concerns regarding Vick’s ability to thrive in inclement weather. “I had a conversation with Mike,” Ryan said. “Mike’s an outstanding athlete, he’s a tremendous person. I really enjoyed my year with Mike [last season with the Jets], and he’s great for a team. However, our conditions are a little different than most teams in this league. And Mike will tell you, he’s not built really for a bad weather quarterback."
Diehards Line:
Ryan went on to explain, "(Vick) doesn’t have great big hands, and the weather affects him some. And he’d be the first one to tell you. You get the wind that we’re gonna have in our stadium and the snow and all that stuff, that’s not in his best interests. And quite honestly, I considered it. We considered it. And I know that’s not the spot for him.” Without Vick, the competition will continue, perhaps until Week 1. And even then, Ryan may keep his cards close to the sweater vest until the Week 1 game against the Colts begins; he pointed out that there’s no requirement to make any announcements about the identity of the starter before a given game. So the Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel, Tyrod Taylor guessing game will continue for some time.