The
Snap

A Post-Gazette Photo Feature

Michael Vick starts; victory is just out of reach

Steelers vs Ravens

Heinz Field | October 1, 2015

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Thursday night football returned to Heinz Field in a big way, with the Steelers facing one of their biggest rivals -- the Baltimore Ravens -- with new quarterback Michael Vick at the helm. Before the game, fans in the Heinz Field parking lots showed their enthusiasm and support for Vick (following pictures). Hours later, Vick's efforts would end on a missed pass to Antonion Brown (cover photo) during the teams' final possession and the Ravens would win, 23-20.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Fans from Virginia showed their Vick love.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Celebrities and athletes filled the sidelines for the nationally televised game. Former Steeler Mel Blount chatted with Pirate Andrew McCutchen.(Julia Rendleman/Post-Gazette)

Former Steeler coach Bill Cowher returned as an CBS announcer.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

The stadium roared as the Steelers took the field. Fans anticipated a heated match-up between two old rivals. In addition, fans wondered how Michael Vick would fare as starting quarterback.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Teammates greeted helmeted Michael Vick shortly before kickoff.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Vick filled on admirably for injured Ben Roethlisberger. He didn’t turn the ball over, was conservative with his passes (19 of 26 for 124 yards) and even threw a touchdown.(Julia Rendleman/Post-Gazette)

One fan urged on the new quarterbcack.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

After a defensive stop late in the game, coach Mike Tomlin was a happy man. Things would soon turn for the worse.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Some fans didn't know whether to cheer or to weep.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Ben Roethlisberger cheered on the defense.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Moments later Ben grew a bit concerned.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Vick on turf.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Missed field goals by Josh Scobee killed the Steelers chances.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Things weren't looking good for the Steelers late in overtime.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

At games end, Tomlin shook hands with Ravens coaches and players, then left the field.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)

Meantime, Ravens players celebrated at Heinz Field.(Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)