CINCINNATI - For many of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defenders, Michael Vick is a high-definition image on television or a larger-than-life figure in a video game.

He throws. He runs. He does amazing things.

But, he’s never done them in Cincinnati.

“I’ve never played a guy quite like that,” defensive end Robert Geathers said. “Everybody knows that Michael Vick is the most electrifying player in the league.”

Like Geathers, many of the Bengals (4-2) will get a chance to see Vick firsthand for the first time on Sunday. Vick has faced the Bengals only once, in a 30-3 victory in Atlanta four years ago that wasn’t much of a showcase.

A lot has changed in Cincinnati since then. The Bengals have a new coach and a new title: defending AFC North champions. They also have an old curiosity.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been on the field with Michael Vick,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “I’ll be excited.”

Maybe they shouldn’t be.

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The Falcons (4-2) are coming off one of Vick’s best performances. The quarterback known for taking off with the ball threw a career-high four touchdown passes in a 41-38 overtime victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

“The game showed us a lot about our character,” Vick said. “We can hang with the best teams in the league.”

The question on Sunday is whether the Bengals will be able to hang onto him.

“I’ve played against Vick a few times in Chicago, and I don’t think I ever lost to him as a starting quarterback,” defensive end Bryan Robinson said. “You definitely have to put guys in front of him and take your shot, because if you sit there waiting for him to do what he’s going to do, he’s going to make you look stupid.”