Can Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Michael Vick Bounce Back in Week 5 vs. Chargers?

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick has struggled over the last two weeks, but can he bounce back in Week 5 against the San Diego Chargers?

Since taking over for Ben Roethlisberger following his injury, Vick has completed 75.0 percent of his passes for 162 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. His numbers may not be too terribly embarrassing, but they certainly have been a struggle. Pittsburgh can't afford to have that kind of a game this week if they want to knock off the San Diego Chargers on the road.

Vick is more than capable of putting up much bigger numbers, but it all starts with him being more confident and taking a few chances. He has plenty of arm strength to make nearly every play on the field, but he simply hasn't been a threat to opposing defenses.

San Diego has allowed 225.0 passing yards per game and Vick has to surpass that in a big way. He has one of the best wide receivers in the NFL to work with in Antonio Brown and has Markus Wheaton and Darrius Heyward-Bey as well. They were hoping that Martavis Bryant would make his return to the field this week, but that doesn't appear to be happening.

Despite Bryant not being able to play, the Steelers still have a passing game that is more than capable of putting up big numbers.

Obviously Vick is nothing close to the talent that Roethlisberger is, but there is no excuse for putting up the small numbers that he has put up in a start and part of another game combined. At one point in time he was one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL and he hasn't lost as much as it would take to make him play this poorly.

Perhaps the biggest issue is that Vick isn't trying to make plays like he used to when he was a starter. He is making the safe play and isn't looking to make a big play here and there. That has to change this week if he wants to have any chance at leading the Steelers to their third win of the season.

So to answer the original question, there is no doubt that Vick can turn things around and bounce back from his performance last week.

It would take an extremely embarrassing performance to not top the week that he had in Week 4. Mike Tomlin has to do everything in his power to encourage Vick to take some shots down the field and use his physical abilities to make an impact on the game.

Expect to see a much more aggressive version of Vick this week and for him to lead the Steelers much better than he did in Week 4. San Diego is a very tough opponent, but the Steelers are a much better all-around football team if they can get Vick playing to his potential. He has to make some plays for the Steelers to have a chance at winning and Pittsburgh will push him to do just that.