Arians: Batch Will Start If Roethlisberger Cannot Play in Week 15

by Neal Coolong on Dec 15, 2011 3:22 PM EST

Scott Brown of the Tribune-Review tweeted Thursday afternoon that Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said veteran QB Charlie Batch will start if Ben Roethlisberger cannot play.

Roethlisberger suffered a high ankle sprain in Pittsburgh's Week 14 win at Cleveland, and has not practiced yet this week.

The Steelers travel to San Francisco to take on the NFC West champion 49ers on Monday Night. Batch relieved Roethlisberger in two series after he was injured, and the offense produced very little. Roethlisberger re-entered the game after halftime despite being severely limited by the injury.

Batch looked cold, to put it mildly. He has played in three games this season - blowout wins over Seattle in Week 2 and Cincinnati in Week 13 before subbing for Roethlisberger in Week 14. His last start was against Baltimore in Week 4 of last season, with the Ravens pulling off a 17-14 win.

He started the previous week as well, throwing three touchdowns in a 38-13 Steelers romp over Tampa Bay.

There would be some logic to giving Dennis Dixon the start in this hypothetical scenario. His mobility may prove to be an asset against an aggressive 49ers defense highlighted by OLB Aldon Smith and possible Defensive Player of the Year candidate DE Justin Smith. Dixon started the first two games of Roethlisberger's four-game suspension, leading the Steelers to a win over Atlanta. He was injured in the first half of the Week 2 game at Tennessee - Batch replaced him and the Steelers won - and was eventually placed on Injured-Reserve.

Dixon looked erratic in the preseason, and if not for a season-ending injury to Byron Leftwich, the Steelers may have dealt Dixon or gave him his outright release. Dixon has spoken openly about wanting an opportunity to play for a team where he may have a chance to start. This is the last year of his contract, and he's very unlikely to be back with the team next season.

Essex to LG, Legursky to C if Pouncey cannot play

Arians also confirmed that, in the event C Maurkice Pouncey cannot play, Doug Legursky will move from left guard to center, and Trai Essex - not Chris Kemoeatu - will start at left guard.

Kemoeatu, the team's starting left guard at the start of this season and in the last two of the Steelers Super Bowl games, has fallen out of favor with the team after a season of poor play and multiple penalties. He was flagged four times in his last start, and Arians statement confirms he's been moved behind Essex on the depth chart for left guard.

San Francisco has one of the best run defenses in the game, and the top scoring defense (14 points a game). The injuries the Steelers have suffered and the personnel they're looking to bring to San Francisco suggest this could be the Steelers lowest offensive output of the season.

Trailing Baltimore by just a tiebreaker for the AFC North title - as well as a bye in the first round of the playoffs - this week may be the best chance Pittsburgh gets to leapfrog the Ravens and control their ability to win the division for the fourth time in five years. Baltimore travels to San Diego to take on the red-hot Chargers passing attack. Reports are coming out of Baltimore today suggesting CB LarDarius Webb may miss the game (possibly the rest of the regular season) with turf toe. That's the same ailment that's had LB Ray Lewis sidelined the last few weeks.

Rookie Jimmy Smith would start in Webb's place.

Tweet Comment 86 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

last week Batch had no clue what was going on

His throws were erratic. He had no idea where the pass rush is coming from and even his audibles seemed less confident. I am hoping it was because of his lack of practice that week.

"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).

by Han on Dec 15, 2011 3:32 PM EST reply actions

lack of practice last week?

I don’t think he’s practiced with the first team much at all.

by SteelersVT on Dec 15, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions

Dixon

Dixon can get his chance after Charlie breaks a femur.

by stylepoints on Dec 15, 2011 3:32 PM EST reply actions

This

by Cdsumm on Dec 15, 2011 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

because

Dixon hasn’t had any injury problems right?

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 15, 2011 8:04 PM EST up reply actions

I like Charlie

But I cringe every time he gets hit, its as if he is made of glass. I hope the Steelers can just win this one without Ben and let him rest his ankle.

by blitzzburgh on Dec 16, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

Dixon is not a good QB

This confirms it further for me.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 15, 2011 3:34 PM EST reply actions

What is wrong with Lefty?

Did he get hurt?

I'm your huckleberry

by CLK47 on Dec 15, 2011 3:44 PM EST reply actions

Broke his arm in the preseason

Are you on Facebook? Have you connected with BTSC's page yet? You should.

by barnerburner on Dec 15, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

It wouldn’t be a Steelers season without at least one quarterback getting placed on the IR by Week 2.

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Dec 15, 2011 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

That's why we carry four on the roster.

And stow one on IR each year. :)

by gostevego on Dec 16, 2011 12:22 AM EST up reply actions

or two...

like last year..

by stoco40 on Dec 16, 2011 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

He's on IR

"If you're not getting better, I don't care what business you're in, you're a dead man. I try to look critically at the mistakes that I make and try to learn from them, like our team does." - Mike Tomlin

by Rebecca Rollett on Dec 15, 2011 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

Bad Move

posted back in August that Steelers should reach injury settlement with lefty and cut him…that would allow them to re-sign him now (others could have signed him also, but not likely). The issue is moot if Lefty is still unable to play…he’s not on my speed dial and I don’t tweet so I’ve no clue…

If DD is so out of favor with team might it be time to give a shout out to Donovan McNabb? His style of play is similar to BB…hold the ball, escape from rush, then throw it. He’s been more brittle than BB and not as tough, but for backup money he’s probably worth the risk. If he gets killed… oh well, isn’t Charlie Batch still available? Nothing against Batch but he’s no Donovan McNabb.

Hey, do the Steelers free up some cap money because of Harrison suspension?

by steelerwheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

Just a feeling,

but i think I have just as good a chance of starting Monday Night as Charlie does…

Big Ben is an animal!

by crosby87 on Dec 15, 2011 3:47 PM EST reply actions

Didn't you mean

Godell is such an ass…

Lol.

"I've been trying to justify you, in the end i will just defy you" Dream Theater

by OhioYinzer on Dec 15, 2011 3:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Making two animals, I guess.

I prefer Ben’s sort, personally.

by Rebecca Rollett on Dec 15, 2011 7:49 PM EST up reply actions

If this was earlier in the season

Maybe Dixon would get some more serious consideration.

But this late in the season with playoff seeding on the line, and with us on the road in primetime against a playoff-caliber opponent – it makes sense to go with our somewhat safer option first. This would not be the time to roll the dice with Dixon or try to showcase his talents by playing him ahead of Batch.

Are you on Facebook? Have you connected with BTSC's page yet? You should.

by barnerburner on Dec 15, 2011 3:49 PM EST reply actions

I disagree

you gotta ask yourself who is better able to win one or a few games against playoff caliber competition? Yes, against Rams and Browns Batch should start…hand the ball off and don’t make mistakes. Against 49ers on the road… or an emergency playoff appearance? I don’t think Batch is good enough. I was hoping for DD.

by steelerwheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:27 PM EST up reply actions

You can disagree

But ask yourself why Batch has been designated the primary back-up, while Dixon is 3rd string and has been inactive on game days.

Hope for Dixon over Batch all you want, but the fact of the matter is that the coaches have had Batch ahead of him on the depth chart all season.

Are you on Facebook? Have you connected with BTSC's page yet? You should.

by barnerburner on Dec 16, 2011 6:34 PM EST up reply actions

I guess Charlie is getting the snaps in practice this week

That should really help him look sharper than he did in relief last week. This will be a tough game whoever our QB is. I sure hope BB can make the start.

by steeler fever on Dec 15, 2011 3:52 PM EST reply actions

I'm ok with Batch starting.....

It also helps that Patrick Willis most likely will not be playing either!!

Batch was thrown in on Thurs. I do feel that a full week of reps and preperation both in mind and body will have the ole guy ready to give us more than a puncher’s chance come Monday night.

I have faith in the D also stepping up (in spite of the loss of Deebo) and keeping this game a low-scoring affair.

by ToonaSteel on Dec 15, 2011 3:58 PM EST reply actions

Glad Kemo wouldn't play

He’s sucked so bad lately, and didn’t help his cas with the three penalties he got filling in when Pouncey went down.

by Lamarr56 on Dec 15, 2011 4:43 PM EST reply actions

Agreed!

by RobertM on Dec 15, 2011 10:41 PM EST up reply actions

This tells me one of two things:

1 – They feel like they can play it safe and let their defense keep the Niners’ offense in check. Batch won’t turn the ball over and we can grind out a 13-10 win without much of a passing game.

2 – They have absolutely no faith in Dixon.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 15, 2011 4:50 PM EST reply actions

Add a kicker

If Steelers are starting batch and hoping to win 12-9, maybe they should use Harrison’s spot on a strong legged kicker who can hit a 55 yarder to win the game.

by steelerwheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

Well

I hope this is just a blatant lie to trip up SF. Here is how I see it:

Start Batch- Definitely lose by 3-10 points
Start Dixon- Maybe win, maybe lose bad

I prefer the chance of winning over the “safe” loss. Hopefully none of this matters as Ben is staking his claim as toughest QB (ever?).

So long Kemo, you penalty machine.

by TorchM on Dec 15, 2011 5:03 PM EST reply actions

This isn't the BCS.

The coaches aren’t going to take a loss just to save face.

"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta

by Jon Ross on Dec 15, 2011 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

Hoe in the hell does Dixon give us any better chance against a defense that is stout against the run and questionable against the pass?

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

*How

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

exactly

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 16, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

Stopping the running game is very different from stopping an extremely mobile QB- not a good point there. And I don’t want to watch Batch hang receivers out to dry for a full game.

by TorchM on Dec 16, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t want to watch Dixon throw interceptions to the other team.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

Also

With the defense we are playing, I would say it is very relevant. They don’t often blitz and they play a lot of zone.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

Granted it's a tiny sample,

but in 2010, Batch threw 3 picks and Dixon 1 in a similar amount of play. I don’t see Dixon being greater risk in that department than Charlie. Dixon completed 69%, Charlie 59%.

I think there is a common misconception that Batch is some reliable old vet just because he’s old and been here a long time. Try to remember he’s been a kinda bad NFL QB in his playing time. I don’t especially like the prospect of either one starting, but I much prefer Dixon’s X factor over Batch’s lame duck, panic-stricken play.

by TorchM on Dec 16, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

Dixon

He played well enough to win in Baltimore two years ago. He made a bad pick, but that game went to overtime. That Balt defense was stout against the run and questionable against the pass.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions

edit

well enough that the Steelers easily could have won… it sounds like they actually won the way I said it initially.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

So, he played well enough to lose you mean.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

by that logic

Ben would have played well enough to lose against the Ravens this year. Ben made one mistake that turned into a scoring drive for the Ravens. Dixon brought the Steelers back in that game in the 4th quarter to take the lead. He was not great, not even very good, but he played well enough that the team easily should have won. The defense gave up the lead in the 4th after playing well all game. Dixon made one mistake against a very good defense in overtime. Perhaps Batch would have played better, but as I recall he played well enough to lose last year in Pittsburgh.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions

Okay

This is stupid. Let’s get down to brass tax here.

Can Dixon read a defense? No.
Does he have touch on his passes? No.
Makes multiple reads before using his feet? No.
Arm strength? Mediocre
Do the coaches know more than you and I and see both Batch and Dixon practice when we don’t? Yes.

For these reasons and many more, Dixon is not the right choice. I’d be surprised if Dennis is even on this team next year.

I really don’t get the Dixon love. He’s not a good QB.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

agree

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 16, 2011 10:34 PM EST up reply actions

I expect Ben to play

But if he doesn’t and the start Batch then Dixon had better be paying attention this week in practice. I honestly can’t see Batch playing for more than a quarter unless his last performance (or lack there of) was due to an unknown illness that he’s since gotten over.

Personally I’d like to see Dixon play. No I’m not a Dixon fan, but if he plays and plays well then we might be able to deal him after the season. Batch can go all world and it won’t add a possibility of even a 7th round pick.

by lkwdsteel on Dec 15, 2011 5:10 PM EST reply actions

Dixon, please

If Ben can’t go (which is looking more likely), I’d much rather see Dixon start. He may give the Steelers a better chance to win, but more importantly the team needs to find out if he’s worth keeping long-term . As much as we all hate to think about it, Ben’s playing style opens up the probability of a long-term injury; if so, who do we want as back up ? Dixon showed he could compete in a brief sampling last season, so if Ben is out Monday, the team should give more of a look to Dixon; starting Batch doesn’t benefit them long-term at all.

"Pitch me outside, I will hit .400. Pitch me inside, and you will not find the ball." - Roberto Clemente

by michaelbro8 on Dec 15, 2011 5:35 PM EST reply actions

the team

already knows Dixon isn’t worth keeping. They allowed him to test the market this year and there wasn’t any interest for a fifth round pick, no one wants him. He is injury prone and not a great leader or QB

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 15, 2011 8:10 PM EST up reply actions

Dixon

Dixon is gone. The Steelers are going to keep Leftwich, because he seems content to play backup on a winner.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

Dixon is going to find few places he can compete for a starting job unless every underclassmen QB decides to go back to school this year.

there are 15 or so good to great QB’s in the legue.
10 or so up and coming/high draft choices.
add 4-5 QB’s drafted next spring and there’s really no place to go.
I think Charlie retires this year and Dixon and Lefty back up Ben next.
Heck I’m probably wrong since I bet he’d never get drafted in the first place.

If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.

by SNW on Dec 15, 2011 6:07 PM EST reply actions

agree

with most of this, except for DD being back next year. I think Dixon is gone and the pick up a late round or udfa QB

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 15, 2011 8:11 PM EST up reply actions

Dixon

I don’t think the Steelers want Dixon back next year. He will be a luxury that they cannot afford. A million dollar + third stringer when they can draft a guy in the fifth round and pay peanuts.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

yup

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 16, 2011 10:34 PM EST up reply actions

Batch

I trust the coaches on this one. There have been many, many instances of Ben looking horrible to start off a game (usually he’s overthrowing). Batch didn’t look good last week, but he was thrown into the game abruptly, and wasn’t really able to get into a rhythm in the passing game. Starting the game off with a game plan should make a huge difference. Batch certainly know the offense and I’ve always thought he had a pretty good arm.

Regarding Dixon, I don’t even think that starting Batch means that the Steelers have no confidence in Dixon. Batch should handle the pressure of starting better because he has been there before. I will predict that if we have a few stagnent series’ that Dixon comes into the game with a special package of plays that use his athleticism in an attempt to catch the Niners off guard. If we jump out to a lead, we may not see Dixon at all.

by ballparkfranks on Dec 15, 2011 6:48 PM EST reply actions

+1

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Dec 15, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

They've Had

How many opening drive TD’s?

by biggcat on Dec 15, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions

Really

Batch was thrown into a game abruptbly. He is a veteran QB that has been on the team for a long time. He’s not a rookie QB or some guy they just picked up a week ago. There is no excuse!!!! Batch is done and cant make a pass over 40 yards. He looked absolutely terrible last week. His pretty good arm left him a long time ago when he left Detroit. Batch will not be able to handle the pressure of the niners D, unless Arians comes up with a game plan with quick passes. We shall see, but I dont see this turning out very well.

by lamberts58 on Dec 16, 2011 12:26 AM EST up reply actions

Really

by lamberts58 on Dec 16, 2011 12:27 AM EST up reply actions

I really do not understand why one would want Dixon over Charlie to start...

I never see anything that that hint at leas that Dixon could be at least an average quarterback in this league, The way I see it, hes talent level is, will be a 3rd string quarterback to be used in certain packages only.
Charlie is still a competent player, hewas rust because of the lack of practice, he will do better with more reps, he knows the offense completely.
Besides, if batch seemed rust last week, imagine how would Dixon would look without even dressing for games the whole year.

by UFrazzel on Dec 15, 2011 6:51 PM EST reply actions

haha... sorry about my english..

by UFrazzel on Dec 15, 2011 6:51 PM EST up reply actions

I don't want Dixon to start...

…but he needs to get a few reps at least this week, in case Batch gets hurt.

I agree with your opinion on Batch; hopefully he still has some left in the tank and can play like he did last year for us.

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Dec 15, 2011 7:11 PM EST up reply actions

yep, agree that he need reps

by UFrazzel on Dec 15, 2011 7:26 PM EST up reply actions

As immobile as Batch is, Dixon needs to be ready

However since the 49’ers shut down the run, I would rather have the stronger and more accurate passer.

"I was a victim of a series of accidents. As are we all."
---Malachi Constant

by The Herndon Kid on Dec 15, 2011 8:20 PM EST up reply actions

Nothing personal

I like charlie, he’s been a good Steeler…but only on his very best days has he been a competent QB….and that was a few years ago with several less layers of rust.

by steelerwheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

and DD

has never been a competent QB

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 16, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions

Essex to LG, Legursky to C if Pouncey cannot play

Well, that wakes me up. I thought I was going to start at LG if Pouncey could not play.

I thought I had it by virtue of ny skill at not jumping on a pile after the whistle blows, but I guess that wasn’t enough.

by Steelzombie on Dec 15, 2011 7:12 PM EST reply actions

"You jump on piles well, but can you false start?"

by gostevego on Dec 16, 2011 12:24 AM EST up reply actions

I want to start

I am pretty good at tripping guys.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions

That's good enough for me...

avoid penalties and don’t totally whiff blocks…just briefly slow down rusher or tackler and you can start.

by steelerwheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

How important is this game?

We’ll find out when the Steelers line up on Monday night. If MT considers a win critical, he’ll start Ben if at all possible. If not, then it’ll be Batch. As for Charlie, we know his capabilities so there should be no mysteries. And with a week to prepare, CB will play better than he looked when Ben got hurt last Thursday.

by Billy52 on Dec 15, 2011 8:34 PM EST reply actions

I think MT considers all wins to be critical and will put his most capable men on the field.

by stylepoints on Dec 15, 2011 9:31 PM EST up reply actions

B.S, “they just don’t do it like they used to” and “in my day they……”

Ok, that was off topic.

I HAVE the memo

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 16, 2011 5:00 AM EST up reply actions

huh? I get that you think it’s BS that Tomlin would put his best players on the field, but I’m missing something with the grandpa Simpson comments.

by stylepoints on Dec 16, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

Roethlisberger not playing will not be an indication of whether Mike Tomlin feels a win in Week 15 when his team hasn’t yet clinched a playoff berth is critical.

It IS possible Ben could play through the pain. Maybe the pain isn’t the problem though. I wouldn’t rule out Ben limping intentionally in front of the media as he walks away to avoid speaking to them on purpose, but you can’t get your body into a pass unless you have both legs working. High ankle sprains are not conducive to a passing game.

San Francisco does not allow many yards on the ground, so whomever Pittsburgh puts under center, he’s gonna have to throw the ball effectively.

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Dec 15, 2011 9:32 PM EST reply actions

I doubt that Ben has gotten any worse after 11 days of resting the ankle.

So if we could keep him in the Browns game in the 2nd half, why not play him again in SF? I’m just hoping this entire week has been a big charade by the Steelers and Ben is actually a lot better than he seems.

by Billy52 on Dec 16, 2011 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

A little more worried about Pouncey not playing honestly

ESPN-The Enablers
Forget the 409 wins and 2 national championships. Joe Paterno helped mold thousands of young men into productive members of our society.

by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Dec 15, 2011 9:55 PM EST reply actions

Why would Pouncey not play honestly? Does he give off some sort of vibe that he is a deceitful person?

I HAVE the memo

With two D's, for a double dose of this pimpin'

by FrankWyt on Dec 16, 2011 5:02 AM EST up reply actions

WHAT?

This team IS crazy.

I missed the Bengals game so I watched it on NFL Rewind after I’d watched the Browns game. Charlie played for about the last 10 minutes of the Bengals game—unless I am crazy and just imagined that, which could be possible as I’ve seen no one else mention it.

He looked so bad I was shocked the coaching staff didn’t see that and immediately activate Dixon and/or start preparing for the worst. BEFORE the Browns game when Charlie did have to go in and looked so bad I was praying they’d put in Hines Ward as QB. At least he’s mobile. And has some nice dance moves so we know his hips work.

Please don’t misunderstand. I love Charlie as a human being. He was great last year. I also love the poet James Merrill. Merrill’s been dead for about a decade and he would probably look a lot like Charlie on the field if you propped him up and put a football in his cold dead hands. Plus, he’d have a better excuse. What use is a backup QB if they play badly when they’re rusty?? They whole point of a backup QB is that they play decently without a lot of snaps.

So yes, I do think this team is crazy. Most of the time I love them for them. This time, I’m baffled.

Let’s see. You have a QB who takes a lot of hard hits and holds the ball forever. An O line that often can’t protect him, either through their own fault or his. And your backup quarterback looks like he’s 70 years old? And they didn’t even have Dixon active for the Browns game? Is he THAT bad?

Wow. Okay, I do like drama. This seems to be pushing it but I’m going to trust the force that is Mike Tomlin….

by dogthebus on Dec 16, 2011 3:14 AM EST reply actions

Charlie played for about the last 10 minutes of the Bengals game—unless I am crazy and just imagined that, which could be possible as I’ve seen no one else mention it.

I mentioned it. “(Batch) has played in three games this season – blowout wins over Seattle in Week 2 and Cincinnati in Week 13 before subbing for Roethlisberger in Week 14.”

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Dec 16, 2011 7:26 AM EST up reply actions

Is he THAT bad?

Yes.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2011 9:20 AM EST up reply actions

team is not crazy

Just loyal to a fault… might not actually be a fault though… not benching an old washed up vet allows younger, prime vets to choose to stay in Pittsburgh. If Batch is terrible and Steelers lose division because of it, know that the pay back will be a hometown discount in the future.

by steelerwheeler on Dec 16, 2011 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

Unusual scenario

Ben is targeting Saturday as a chance to participate in practice, but let’s say that doesn’t work. We know Tomlin’s philosophy about practice, but say San Diego upsets Baltimore on Sunday night.

At that point, do you start Ben, and have him on a “pitch count”, similar to what they will have for Lamar Woodley? Is there sufficient value in having # 7 play one to two quarters, assuming he lasts that long? In what may be a low scoring game, an early score could be important.

by SteelStealth on Dec 16, 2011 10:14 AM EST reply actions

Tomlin said

I think Tomlin indicated that he would like Ben to practice for some of the game specific packages, but that Ben could play without practicing.

by Kevin78 on Dec 16, 2011 11:44 AM EST reply actions

Thanks,

I was unaware of that.

by SteelStealth on Dec 16, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions

Dennis Dixon

is a frail black Tim Tebow.

I love the Steelers.

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 16, 2011 2:18 PM EST reply actions

holy crap

I just blew a snot bubble laughing

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Dec 16, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions

Wexell Tweeting just now that Ben is going on IR

I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com

by Fifty-Eight on Dec 16, 2011 2:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Ok, ok….hearts back in chest…Kidding!

I think that if Batch starts, or even plays sparingly this week, he’ll be vastly better than last week. He ran the 1st team O all week…

I'll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from May, 2011 to Sept., 2011, to raise money for charity. For more info, please visit: http://thf2.wordpress.com

by Fifty-Eight on Dec 16, 2011 3:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Cruel, cruel man...

…BAD 58, BAD 58….don’t you ever do that again young man!

As rusty as Batch is, at least he has the experience and mental skills to at least stay alive and not let their defense score.
I fear that Dixon would try too much to be “the hero” and turn the ball over.

Now that I’m breathing again, can only hope Ben can make it on Monday.

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Dec 16, 2011 4:18 PM EST up reply actions

Charlie’s play last week was hard to watch, however I feel more comfortable with the ball in his hands come Monday night if Ben is out.Hell, let’s just start 86 in the QB slot!

by since'75 on Dec 17, 2011 6:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions