Backup QB Tyrod Taylor helps Ravens prepare for Eagles' Michael Vick
But Baltimore has what a lot of teams don't: someone with a similar skill set on the roster.
Ravens backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor was known for his strong arm and rushing ability at Virginia Tech, the same college Vick attended. Taylor may not boast Vick's accomplishments or accolades, but he may provide a helpful facsimile for the Ravens this week as they prepare for Philadelphia's multi-dimensional quarterback.
"We do a lot of similar things," Taylor said. "Going out there and trying to do some of the things he does isn't that hard for me. But there's some things you have to watch, like how he controls the offense."
Teams typically spy Vick and play man-to-man coverage on the receivers. If the corners cover well, then Vick has problems throwing the deep ball. If Philadelphia executes a play well that breaks a receiver open down the field, it's usually bad news for opposing teams.
At 32 years old, Vick still has the speed to make plays with his feet if a defensive play breaks down. In a sense, his presence can affect the way defenses rushes him. If a pass rusher that depends on his speed gets pushed out of his lane, Vick can then convert that play for a chunk of yards.
Discipline will be key for Baltimore this week, and Taylor's hoping to help the defense with it.
"We've been coached to try to keep (Vick) in," outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw said. "He's going to make plays, he's Michael Vick, everybody knows his type of game and what he's able to do. We have Tyrod Taylor giving us a good look at what he does. We just want to go out there and play our game to contain him."
Like Vick, Taylor grew up in Virginia and had an outstanding high school career. Taylor emulated Vick in his early days, which drew the attention of the coaching staff at Virginia Tech.
The college connection helped spark a relationship between the two quarterbacks, as the two trained together during the past two offseasons. Vick has kept an eye on Taylor this preseason and was impressed with what he saw in the four exhibition games.
"He's trying to learn as much as he can and he's getting better as a quarterback as I watch him," Vick said in a conference call.
Coach John Harbaugh said there was a debate in the meeting room on Wednesday as to who's faster -- Vick or Taylor.
Taylor said he and Vick are tied when it comes to straight ahead speed, that the two have traded wins back and forth when racing each other. However, Taylor conceded Vick possesses more quickness.
"He's meant a lot to me, done a lot of things as far as helping me progress during my two years here," Taylor said. "I'm just looking forward to reenacting some of the things he does for this offense this week to get our team prepared."
Vick can create problems for any defense, though he's liable to make some mistakes, too. Against Cleveland last Sunday, Vick threw four interceptions despite throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns.
Though the mistakes were glaring, the Ravens still see a dangerous quarterback with a lot of weapons. Linebacker Ray Lewis said the key will be to stay in position and to stick with what works most Sundays.
"This guy's fantastic with the football, without the football, however you want to deal with him," Lewis said. "I think that we have to go out there and we have to play our game. You can't be enamored with what he does or not. He is Vick and he is a very special talent. But we are ready to go play a full football game."
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.
