Mike Vick is no stranger to being an NFL starter, having started 112 games in his 15 seasons in the league.
And that is why his teammates have confidence in him stepping in this week against the Baltimore Ravens for Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered an MCL sprain against the St. Louis Rams.
"He's a leader and he's been doing it for a long time," said receiver Antonio Brown. "It's not only about him. We've got to be able to help him, catching passes, got to be able to run the ball, protect the ball and help him out."
The offensive line also knows their job is to help Vick out, providing as much protection as they can and giving him the time he needs to be a playmaker.
"We have to protect him," said tackle Kelvin Beachum. "We have to make it as comfortable as possible, keep him as clean as possible and make it as smooth as possible so he can come in and put the ball in the right places, put people in the right position with the ball."
It's not just those on the offensive side of the ball who feel good about what Vick brings to the table. The defense does as well.
"We have a lot of confidence," said defensive end Stephon Tuitt. "He has the ability to run the ball. He has a strong arm. All of us have faith in him, we are going to stand behind him and we believe he is going to get the job done."
Vick, who was signed on Aug. 25, knows he has a challenge ahead of him with a short week, but his experience is something that helps him overcome that obstacle.
"I've crammed it all in the best that I can," said Vick. "I know how to compartmentalize and put it together the way I know how. This is my fourth offense that I've had to learn, so I'm just taking it one day at a time. I feel good and I've worked extremely hard to get here and prepare myself to go out there.
"This is what I was born to do. I'm not a young guy anymore. I'm a seasoned veteran. It's not about me. There are a lot of great players in this locker room that are confident in the outcome of a football game. I won't put it all on my shoulders. I'll take sole responsibility of everything that happens, but I'm just going to prepare myself and get myself in the position to help this football team."
