Ben Roethlisberger’s knee injury affects the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, but backup quarterback Michael Vick’s skill set changes it even further.
According to Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, head coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers cannot assume the former No. 1 overall pick is prepared to seamlessly replace for Big Ben.
“We’re not going to assume certain things because Mike is a veteran player, and he’s up to speed on a large body of work. We’re going to work in his comfort zone and bring the game to him, to allow him to put us in the best position to win the football game.”
Unfortunately for the Steelers, Vick’s comfort zone is a significant contract to Roethlisberger’s style. Vick relies on his legs to make plays, while Big Ben uses his athleticism to evade pressure.
Although Vick can target Antonio Brown—undoubtedly one of the best receivers in the NFL—but the problem is the veteran left-hander has to actually, well, throw the ball accurately.
In relief of Roethlisberger on Sunday, Vick completed 5-of-6 passes yet looked understandably mediocre. He has no timing with Pittsburgh receivers, and the one pass to Brown was nearly intercepted. But Vick also tossed a beyond-risky 20-yard pass that Le’Veon Bell managed to snatch.
Vick’s comfort zone should probably be handing the ball off to Bell, who tallied 132 yards and a touchdown during his 2015 debut. However, defenses will likely stuff the box, so Vick must progressively establish a rapport with Brown, the NFL’s most consistent receiver.
If Vick can do that, his comfort zone will resemble a distributor instead of the playmaker to which he automatically—and usually—attempts to default. His first challenge comes on Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens.