Jets coach Rex Ryan admits to QB competition between Geno Smith, Michael Vick

Geno Smith (left) and Michael Vick (right) will battle for the Jets' starting quarterback job, according to Rex Ryan. (Julio Cortez/AP)

Since joining the New York Jets following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Vick has maintained that he is not going to be the team's starting quarterback and that Geno Smith will retain that slot. Vick has done his part to cool any sort of quarterback battle talk.

While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jets coach Rex Ryan had a different interpretation of the situation, admitting that he does eventually have a decision to make between the two as they battle it out for playing time.

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While you can applaud Vick's work to limit the inevitable New York media firestorm that would accompany a quarterback controversy, he was brought in for the purpose of either pushing Smith to get better or taking his job for the time being. The latter option remains a very real possibility, regardless of what Vick says.

After being forced into the starting role in his rookie season last year, Smith struggled mightily, tossing 21 interceptions. He obviously needs some work, and a year on the sidelines as Vick instills his veteran presence on the offense may do both parties some good.