The Pittsburgh Steelers are remaining tight-lipped over who they intend to start at quarterback against the Arizona Cardinals. Michael Vick has made the start the past two weeks as Ben Roethlisberger remains out with a knee injury. However, the starting quarterback returned to practice this week with positive reviews surrounding his health. Does that mean he is poised to get the nod to play in Week 6?
According to receiver Martavis Bryant, Roethlisberger has not missed a beat since his return to the field. The quarterback has been participating on a limited basis after spraining his MCL and getting a bone bruise in his knee. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Steelers are not giving any hints about whether or not the quarterback plays as the plan appears to still be having Vick under center. The situation could be strategically in hopes of throwing off the defense of the Cardinals or it could simply be because even the Steelers are uncertain if Roethlisberger is healthy enough to play.
If Vick is the quarterback under center, the Steelers need to let him loose more times than not. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Vick is simply playing the game plan and being conservative. Known for his rushing abilities, the Steelers have not utilized that aspect of his talents. He has kept things safe. According to Vick, he is simply getting to know the offensive game plan still.
"I have to put in overtime and work extremely hard to make sure I have the basics of everything down," Vick said, via the Post-Gazette. "I am still a ways away. But the confidence is still there. My coaches are doing a great job of making sure I understand what we are doing and what they want from me. That's helped me out tremendously. I would say I am 80 percent there. It's just all about details from here on out."
Antonio Brown is letting the quarterback know that he is still part of the game plan. With Vick under center, Brown's numbers are down. Brown has nine catches for 87 yards and no touchdowns in the past two games which is not what a leading receiver should be putting up. Brown told the media that he wants Vick taking more shots because he will be there to make the grabs.
"He's got to take some shots," Brown said, via ESPN.com. "I told him, trust me a little bit. Let me make some plays. Let's get a victory. It doesn't have to be that hard."
Regardless of the quarterback under center, the Steelers offense will continue to be run through Le'Veon Bell who will be tested against the Cardinals. The running back has been on fire since returning from suspension and remains the x-factor to getting wins. With Vick that becomes even more prevalent.
Update: Ben Roethlisberger ruled out Week 6, Michael Vick to Start
