Die Feder [Essay] » two seasons, catching a combined 17

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan and Michael Vick might need to huddle up. While Ryan insisted Wednesday theres "no doubt" the New York Jets have an open competition at quarterback, Vick continued to differ. So, heres where we are: Its a controversy over a competition that could become a controversy at some point in training camp. "I think there is competition, theres no doubt," Ryan said after the Jets completed the second day of organized team activities. "As a coach, you love it." But, shortly after Ryans news conference, Vick reiterated his comments from last week, and has said since he signed with New York in March, that Geno Smith is the teams starting quarterback. "Nah," Vick said. "Its not an open competition." Ryan and general manager John Idzik have preached competition at all positions. While Ryan acknowledged that some competition has to be "manufactured" -- for instance, centre Nick Mangold, left tackle DBrickashaw Ferguson and defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson are in no danger of losing their jobs -- players pushing each other on the field improves everyone. That was the thought when the Jets signed Vick in March; he would give Smith a serious run for the job. But last week, Vick made it clear he thinks this is Smiths job to lose and its not an open competition, at least not like last year when he and Nick Foles went against each other in Philadelphia. "Weve got two guys who are really pushing to be the starting quarterback," Ryan said, when asked about Vicks comments from last week. Vick and Smith split snaps with the starting offence Wednesday. "Ive said from Day 1 that I think Geno will be hard to beat out," Ryan said. "But Ive also said Mike will have an opportunity to compete, and he definitely will." The coach added he didnt know why Vick thinks its not a true competition, but was noncommittal when asked if Vick could be the starter if he outperforms Smith in camp. "I think well let it play out a little bit," Ryan said. "Its the second day of OTAs, so its not a closed competition." Thats news to Vick, though. He at first danced around questions regarding the quarterback situation and Ryans comments. "Im here to compete every day to help this team win football games," Vick said, later repeating that line a few times before appearing to grow frustrated. "I dont know how to answer this question," Vick said. "This is the third time around." Smith, who has repeatedly said hes taking nothing for granted, was not made available to the media. Vick doesnt appear disgruntled about his situation, and hasnt indicated he was misled when he signed a one-year, $4 million deal and was reunited with offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinweg. "I knew what I was getting into when I got here," he said. "Its everything I expected. Im having fun with the guys. Everything is team oriented. Were just having a good time. We just have to keep everything rolling. Thats the most important thing." One things for sure: Whoever wins the job will have a proven receiver in Eric Decker to throw to. But the former Broncos star is going from Peyton Manning to an unsettled quarterback situation. Arguably the top wide receiver available when free agency opened, Decker visited the Jets first and never left. Now, hes expected to give New York a No. 1-type target. "Ive been telling people I feel like a rookie all over again, which is nice," Decker said. "Ive got to prove myself, in a way." Decker broke out in a big way the last two seasons, catching a combined 172 passes for 2,352 yards and 24 touchdowns. "The two years I got to spend with (Manning), he made me a better professional," Decker said. "But, again, I see a lot of talent in this quarterback room, and Im excited about growing with them." NOTES: S Calvin Pryor, the teams first-round pick, sat out because he needs three wisdom teeth pulled and his mouth is swollen. "I cant put my helmet on," he said. "So (the trainers) dont want me out there with contact right now." He expects to practice next week. ... RB Chris Johnson caused a stir Tuesday night when he tweeted that the Jets should pursue disgruntled Texans WR Andre Johnson. "Anytime youve got another friend in the league, you always want to play with him," Chris Johnson said. ... WRs David Nelson (illness) and Shaq Evans (finishing school) and RB Mike Goodson (knee) were among those not at the voluntary sessions Wednesday. ... The Jets signed CB Brandon Dixon, a sixth-round pick, to a four-year deal. That leaves Pryor and CB Dexter McDougle, a third-rounder, as the only unsigned players of the Jets 12 selections. Adidas Yeezy Italia Online . - PGA Tour rookie Tony Finau shot a 9-under 63 at Del Monte and had a two-stroke lead over Billy Andrade and Lee Janzen of the Champions Tour after Thursdays opening round of the Callaway Pebble Beach Invitational. Scarpe Yeezy Scontate . -- Kevin Stadler might be playing in the Masters for the first time, but hes already showing his old man a thing or two. http://www.adidasyeezyscontate.it/. This week they discuss the Philadelphia 76ers, Gregg Popovich, Royal and Ancient Golf Club and Bill Belichick. Scarpe Yeezy Originali . With just under five seconds remaining - the Raptors having clawed back from a 19-point deficit and pulled within one - DeRozan took the handoff from Chuck Hayes. Adidas Yeezy Vendita Italia . "Today was a very great day for me. It was always my dream to be good in GS," Wierather said. "I took quite a long time to get there. It feels awesome to have my first win (in GS)." Wierather leads overall with 595 points from Lara Gut (568), who finished second, and Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany (535).PATTAYA, Thailand -- Fifth-seeded Elena Vesnina of Russia advanced to the quarter-finals of the Pattaya Open on Thursday by beating local player Nicha Lertpitaksinchai of Thailand 6-3, 6-3. Vesnina trailed 3-1 in the second set before taking the last five games to clinch the win in one hour, 16 minutes. Vesina will play Julia Goerges of Germany, wwho had a walk-over in the second round after second-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia withdrew with a left hip injury.dddddddddddd In other second-round matches, Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan beat 23-year-old Tadejia Majeric of Slovenia 7-6, (4), 6-3, and eighth-seeded Peng Shuai of China ousted Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania 6-3, 6-4. ' ' '