No. 6 — Week 6, 2006 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Date: October 22nd, 2006

Score: Falcons, 41; Steelers, 38

Talk about circumstances one shouldn’t be able to withstand; consider the factors that Michael Vick managed to overcome in this once-every-four-years matchup between the Falcons and Steelers in 2006.

The Falcons were hosting the NFL’s defending Super Bowl champion, for one. And after a rocky start to their own season, a sense of urgency was paramount, so as to avoid a 2-4 start to the season.

If you told me all of that, and then added that Vick’s No. 1 and No. 2 receivers (Michael Jenkins and Roddy White) would combine for just four catches and 35 yards, the Steelers would pass for five touchdowns, and the Falcons would still win? It doesn’t seem likely,

Vick went blow-for-blow with Ben Roethlisberger, throwing for four touchdowns (and two interceptions), highlighted by a clutch-as-ever drive in overtime that didn’t even allow the Steelers a chance to touch the field. Chances are, you might remember Vick’s cold-blooded 26-yard strike to Alge Crumpler that set the win up for Atlanta.

Along the way, Vick also completed 18 of 30 passes for 232 yards, with five totes and 40 yards, and a catch for a yard, too. If you asked me to put on a game that showcased Vick’s do-it-all ability, from the calmness under pressure or intangible factor to the dual-threat brilliance, this one makes the shortlist of games worth absolutely considering.