Michael Vick says he's still quick, relishing possible final chance to start

PITTSBURGH -- Michael Vick still has quick legs, which could result in a few vintage moments Thursday night at Heinz Field against the Baltimore Ravens.

"I didn't think at 35 I'd still be as quick as I am," Vick told reporters in the locker room after the Pittsburgh Steelers' Tuesday's practice. "I can still move a little bit."

At age 35, Vick recognizes he might not get another opportunity to start. He was a free agent in August. Now he's replacing the injured Ben Roethlisberger, who is sidelined four to six weeks with a left MCL sprain.

"This is a great opportunity for me because I don't know if I'm going to have this opportunity ever again," Vick said. "Just a month ago I wasn't signed with a team. Now I feel like I have a chance to go out and play freely and go out and enjoy the game, enjoy this moment, enjoy being out there with my teammates."

He said he refused to give up despite being unsigned for most of the offseason until the Steelers signed him in late August.

"Kept the faith, kept believing," Vick said about wanting a chance like this during free agency. "This is what I love to do, so I kept working at it."

Vick met with offensive coordinator Todd Haley for several hours Monday night to go over the game plan. Haley said he was impressed with Vick's knowledge of the system.

Earlier Tuesday, Roethlisberger said his expectation for Vick was for him to be the best he can be.

"We brought [Vick] in here for a reason," Roethlisberger said. "He's got a lot of experience. He's got a good group around him here. Everybody's got to do their job. We'll be just fine. ... He's helped me, and I'll continue to do what I can to help him."

Vick said he learned a lot last season when he spelled Geno Smith in New York and completed 53 percent of his passes. He had never been a backup before, but now he knows what to expect.

In Pittsburgh, he can get the ball to playmakers and get out of the way.

"You can't go out there and try to improvise on a short week," Vick said. "There are a ton of good things in the offense."

What Vick has learned about his playmakers: They don't want to disappoint the quarterback. He doesn't want to disappoint them, either.

"Be myself, have fun, play to win," Vick said about his mentality.