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Mike Vick Feels Confident As Starting Quarterback

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) – A little over a month ago, Mike Vick signed with the Steelers as a back up quarterback and after just three regular season games, he is preparing to replace Ben Roethlisberger as starting quarterback in Thursday's game against the Ravens.

Ben Roethlisberger sprained his MCL in his left knee during Sunday's game and is unable to play this week, which leaves Vick with less than a week to prepare with the starting offense.

Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley doesn't expect Vick to come in and replicate Roethlisberger's style of play, instead he plans to use Vick in a way that plays to his strengths and gives him the best chance to help the team succeed.

"Knowing it's a short week, you've got to use your head and keep things pretty simple I would think, so in the long run it's probably a blessing," Todd Haley said.

Vick said he felt comfortable working with the starters at practice this week and he tried to develop as much chemistry as possible in a short amount of time.

"Guys are just encouraging me to just go out there and be myself and play the game and have fun," Vick said. "They know the position I'm in, they know that it's fairly early for me but I'm confident in myself and I'm confident in what we are doing and I like our game plan and I think that after another two days of studying I should be good to go."

At 35 years old, Vick said that his legs feel good and he's looking forward to starting an NFL game, because it may never happen again.

"Just a month ago I wasn't signed with the team, so now I feel like I have a chance to just go out and play free and go out and enjoy the game and enjoy this moment and enjoy being out there with my teammates," Vick said.

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