Former Jets' QB Michael Vick is on his way to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers, league source told ESPN.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2015
If Vick ends up signing here, I think this is a great situation for him. A very stable organization, and I have a lot of respect for Mike Tomlin, who also has VA ties. This, arguably, could be the best surrounding cast on offense that Vick has ever had. Obviously, there is no question about Big Ben as the starter, but Vick won't be forced into some awkward mentorship/pseudo-QB competition like he had in New York last year. This might open up some opportunity for Vick to be thrown in as a little change-of-pace/wildcat wrinkle here and there. And in the case Big Ben goes down, the Steelers have an excellent option coming off the bench.
I hope this ends up happening. Pittsburgh is close by to his home here in VA, and if he can come in and learn the playbook, I think he could have a spot there to finish out his career.
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I agree. This could be a really good place for him to finish his career. Hopefully we can see him take the field again, with some talent around him.
Dream scenario is Vick winning the super bowl with the Steelers. If he signs I'lll have to get a jersey
Multiple outlets now reporting Vick has signed with Pittsburgh. One-year deal.
I hope he does well. I've wanted him to succeed in the NFL for a long time.
There are few teams in professional sports I hate more than the steelers. Siggghhhhhh
This kind of bitter sweet for me--I'm happy for Mike Vick, but Landry Jones went to HS at my HS's biggest rival. We both graduated the same year and I've been pulling for him ever since. I'm not sure this bodes well for him.
yo...OT... I would change that Avatar...
I think that it would be interesting if once he is familiar with the playbook and such they use him in certain packages. For example, imagine Vick running the option with Bell, with the option to fake that and pull up and throw deep to Brown or Bryant. Both Vick and Bell are good enough runners with the speed to get the edge on a defense while Brown and Bryant have the speed to get deep, and Vick has the arm to throw it half a mile. Obviously Vick will never challenge Ben, but I think he could be used in certain situations to throw a curve at a defense. Also, I love to see Hokies go to the Steelers. One of the best run, classiest organizations in the NFL (also my favorite team).
I see very little chance of this happening.
You may be right, but it would be interesting to see...
From some of the comments Big Ben has made since Vick signed, it comes off to me that Ben really does not like Vick being in Pittsburgh. Sounds like this might have been a case where Tomlin really wanted him and Ben did not like the idea at all. Ben remarked that a lot of the players were "in awe" of Vick when he came into the locker room because they grew up idolizing him. Just seems like he is uncomfortable with the implications of Mike Vick backing him up. Will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out.
I haven't heard any of the comments, but I'm not sure what implications Ben could be uncomfortable with. Vick was simply signed on a one year contract to be the backup. Ben's job is as secure as they come. It's possible that there could be some friction, but they'll get past that. If not, Vick will be gone and they'll pick up someone else as a backup.
From some of the comments I heard on Mike and Mike earlier, it kind of sounded like he sees it as an unnecessary distraction and a huge burden on time to have to bring Vick up to speed on the offense in such quick order. From his perspective, he probably feels like they didn't have to go out and get Vick because it will take time for him to learn the playbook, and Landry Jones has already been in the system. Also, he probably feels like it's a moot issue because he doesn't plan on missing any time at all during the season. But from Tomlin's view, your backup is an inexperienced Landry Jones, and it's in the best interest of the team to have an experienced, talented guy like Vick in case something happens to Ben.
To his credit, Ben has said he recognizes Vick's ability and if he can help the team win, so be it. But it definitely sounded like it might have been a little bit of a distraction in his mind, and he's been trying to downplay the whole situation with Vick.
The Steelers threw in some trickery back in the day with Antwaan Randle El and Kordell Stewart. The Ravens used Tyrod like this for one game before Flacco threw a hissy fit and that put an end to it. Not to mention the once-common wildcat package. So, while not particularly likely, it's possible.
I can see a couple trick plays with both Big Ben and Vick on the field at the same time.
I can't.
How often did the Steelers try anything like this when they had Dennis Dixon on the roster? Or how often did the Ravens do this with Flacco and Tyrod? I don't know the answer for certain, but my best guess would be zero.
I'm happy to see him playing. He's a great athlete, and a credit to Virginia Tech.