Philadelphia Eagles: Week 5 Against the Steelers Will Set Pace for Vick's Season

The Philadelphia Eagles and their quarterback Michael Vick have been muscling through wins by the skin of their teeth. The Eagles are preparing for their Week 5 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers—a game that is sure to set the pace for the rest of Vick’s season.

After a devastating loss to the undefeated Arizona Cardinals (6-27), the Eagles bounced back against the New York Giants. The Giants’ Lawrence Tynes’ 54-yard field goal attempt fell just short of the field goal post, giving the Eagles their third win (19-17) of the season.

So far, there have been two Michael Vicks: one that grinds and fights his way to wins and one that crumbles against an aggressive defense.

Vick and the Eagles have beaten a few of the league’s best teams so far, but they were not easy games and Philly was given some lucky breaks.

Two of Philly’s three wins have been one-point differentials. In Week 1, Vick escaped Cleveland with a win over the Browns (17-16), despite throwing four interceptions.

In Week 2, Vick ran for a game-winning touchdown with only two minutes to spare against the Baltimore Ravens (24-23)—the only loss Baltimore has suffered so far. Vick threw two interceptions against Baltimore.

Philadelphia’s game against the Steelers will be the game that decides whether Vick and the Eagles are a team to be reckoned with or if they have just been lucky this season.

Individually, Vick’s numbers have been very good thus far: 1,146 yards thrown for four touchdowns with a 56.8 percent completion rate. He has thrown six interceptions, but has not thrown an interception in his last two games.

The Eagles will be heading in to Week 5 with confidence after toppling New York—the reigning 2012 Super Bowl Champions and longtime rivals to the Eagles.

Pittsburgh has had a week to mull over their loss against the Oakland Raiders (31-34)—a wake-up call for the Steelers. The Steelers 1-2-0 record is hardly indicative of their level of skill, and the team will be fighting to avoid their third loss.

Vick will need to keep his interception-less streak going against the Steelers. The Steelers are not the Browns; they will capitalize on any of Vick’s errors.

If Vick and the Eagles come to play against the Steelers, Philly will be establishing itself as one of the teams to beat this season. If the Eagles’ Week 5 game is a repeat performance of its game against Arizona, the nonbelievers will deem Vick’s early success as a lucky run.