PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Matt Schaub watched Michael Vick in awe as his backup in Atlanta, learning from one of the NFL's biggest stars.
Schaub is doing just fine on his own now. And Vick, well, he's bounced back quite nicely after nearly ruining his career.
When the Houston Texans (5-6) visit the Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) tonight, it'll be a reunion for the two quarterbacks. It also will be a homecoming for Schaub, who played high school football 22 miles west of the Linc at West Chester East High.
"I'm looking forward to playing against him and playing up there in Philadelphia," Schaub said. "That's where I grew up, so it will be fun to go back home and play up there."
Schaub has developed into a Pro Bowl player himself. He passed for 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, and he has 2,752 yards passing and 15 TDs this season.
Vick was a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his six seasons with the Falcons. He's playing even better now with the NFC East-leading Eagles, and is an MVP candidate.
"When things don't happen in rhythm, he becomes such a weapon," Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "We got our hands full, but we played better defensively the last few weeks. This will be the biggest challenge thus far. We need to handle that challenge as a team, not just one group. We need to handle it as a football team."
Vick is coming off his first loss this season in a game that he started and finished. He won his first five before the Chicago Bears kept him in check during a 31-26 victory.