(My Sportsbook) - Two teams riding four-game win streaks collide this week in Pittsburgh, where the first-place Steelers will try to keep Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons under wraps.

Pittsburgh owes its current win streak to a pair of players who started the season on the bench, QB Tommy Maddox and RB Amos Zereoue. Maddox has been one of the top feel-good stories of the NFL after his long-awaited return to the field. He has breathed new life into an offense that never seemed to click with Kordell Stewart under center. Meanwhile, Zereoue has taken over for Jerome Bettis and exceeded expectations with his all-around ability.

Last week, the Steelers registered a 23-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Zereoue ran for 111 yards, while Maddox threw for two touchdowns.

Obviously, finding a way to contain Vick was the topic on everyone's mind in the Steel City this week. Coach Bill Cowher offered his thoughts on facing one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.

"I think you have to give him different looks, and we have to be able to try to contain him," said Cowher. "I say try because a lot of people have attempted to do so unsuccessfully. He is a very fast individual. He is throwing the ball accurately; he has a quick release and a very strong arm. He is a challenge.

"When he starts running north-south, he is very dangerous because he is big and he is very, very fast."

Even if Bettis is healthy enough to play this week, Cowher may still use Zereoue as his primary back. Since the Steelers have had so much success with Zereoue, changing personnel wouldn't make much sense. Cowher wouldn't allow his opponent to get an edge by naming his starter, but both backs will likely see action as long as Bettis' knee injury permits.

If Bettis decides to rest this week, the Steelers are confident in Zereoue.

"[Zereoue] can handle the load," said guard Alan Faneca. "He's a little guy, but he's a tough guy. If you saw him in the weight room, you'd be amazed at what he can do. Per body weight, he's the strongest guy on the team."

Atlanta allows a lot of yards on the ground, and the Steelers should win the rushing war. The Falcons give up over 122 rushing yards per game -- 13th in the NFC. Per carry, Atlanta permits 4.7 yards. Against a back like Zereoue, who averages 4.3 yards per carry on the season, the Falcons may get abused.

Pittsburgh's 3-4 is probably the best defensive scheme to use against Vick. However, Atlanta also uses a 3-4 and Vick has seen that style a lot in practice. Having the extra linebacker will help the Steelers keep Vick contained, and outside linebackers Jason Gildon and Joey Porter are two of the best in the business.

When the Steelers played New Orleans in Week 5, Saints' QB Aaron Brooks was held in check. However, all the attention on the mobile Brooks resulted in a 123-yard performance from RB Deuce McAllister. Cowher and the Steelers must be very careful not to focus too much on one aspect of Atlanta's offense this week. That said, Vick remains the central figure.

"We probably have to give them some different looks, spy [Vick] at times, and some of the things that a lot of people have tried to do and be very conscious of lanes and make him have to work laterally on the field and not give him a big alley where he can look and start working downhill," said Cowher.

COMING UP: The Steelers face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville in Week 11.