"It was great to be able to get back out there with the guys and play two full quarters and play with a different mind-set," Vick said. "We started out a little shaky, but we got it together."
For a while there in the first quarter it wouldn't have been a shock if Reid yanked his quarterback off the turf and from behind a leaky offensive line. The Eagles coach had planned on having his starters play into the third quarter, but with a steady rain he ended their night at the half and, more important, preserved Vick.
"Regardless of who it is I'm going to give defenses fits anyway," Vick said when he was asked about the shuffling on the offensive line. "It's just plain and simple. Saying it out of confidence, not arrogance."
Vick's passing numbers were pedestrian - 10 of 18 for 98 yards - and he connected with a wide receiver just once. But he avoided throwing an interception and scored the Eagles' second touchdown when he ran 8 yards untouched into the end zone for a 17-0 lead.
"We've been doing a lot in the running game, and we've been doing a lot in the passing game," Vick said. "We've just been able to make some good checks in the run game based on what the defense is doing. Fortunately, it all worked out."
Despite a rocky showing a week ago, Vick was the least of the Eagles' worries following the Pittsburgh slaughter. Juan Castillo's defense was overmatched against a balanced Steelers offense that gutted the Eagles' small front seven.
