PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) — Defensively the Steelers were uncommonly bullied by Carson Palmer in a Week 3 upset at Oakland. If there were ever a test of their resilience, it’s coming to Heinz Field this weekend.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick hasn’t been there since a wild 34-34 finish back in 2002 with the Atlanta Falcons. He’s struggled early on but still has the Eagles flying atop the NFC North, so as far as Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor is concerned, they’ve got to stick with Vick before Vick sticks it to them.
“As a defender, especially secondary, we call him ‘plaster’…which means there’s no time off with Vick. He can always extend plays, and we understand that,” said Taylor after practice on the South Side Monday. “You’ve got to play straight-up football. He can easily get away from a sack…and we know how strong his arm is. He’s a double-threat.”
Fortunately for the Steelers, their defense is as healthy as it’s been at any point in this young season. All-Pros Troy Polamalu and James Harrison both practiced Monday, although both will take wait-and-see approaches to their availability for Week 5.
How badly have the Steelers missed them?
“You’re talking about two defensive league MVP’s. Enough said,” Taylor answered. “I’m just happy to see them back out there. Everybody’s on the same page, everybody’s out there at the same time, and we haven’t seen that this year.”
He downplayed the fact that Vick, who marched the Eagles to a difficult 19-17 win over the division rival New York Giants Sunday, has thrown six interceptions against just four TD’s. But he didn’t downplay the sub-standard play by himself or his teammates through three games:
Download: ike-taylor-10-1.mp3
Kickoff between the Steelers (1-2) and Eagles (3-1) is set for Sunday at 1:00. Listen to SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan, which will air the Mike Tomlin press conference live at noon Tuesday, for more analysis.
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