Batch Shines in Victory over Bucs

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Yesterday, Steelers’ quarterback Charlie Batch showed the world that he can still play the quarterback position. One week after his disappointing performance against the Tennessee Titans, Batch redeemed himself. His strong play at quarterback, helped lead the Steelers to a convincing 38-13 victory over the upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win keeps the Steelers perfect on the season, with only one game remaining, before the team’s bye week.

The game did not exactly start the way that Batch had hoped. On his very first pass attempt, he was intercepted by Buccaneers’ defensive back, Aqib Talib. The turnover resulted in a field goal for Tampa Bay. The field goal would be the Buccaneers’ only lead of the game. Two possessions later, Batch would ignite the Steelers’ offense by throwing a 46-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace. The touchdown gave the Steelers a 7-3 lead, and they would never look back. The quarterback would go on to throw two more touchdowns on the day. One being a 41-yard pass to Mike Wallace, and the other was an 8-yard strike to Hines Ward. Batch spread the ball around nicely throughout the game, finding six different receivers. The veteran quarterback’s final numbers were nothing short of impressive. He was 12 of 17 for 186 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Not bad for a guy who at one point this season, was the team’s fourth-string quarterback.

Charlie Batch may have stolen the headlines from yesterday’s game, but there were some performances that should not be overlooked. Rashard Mendenhall had a big game in his own right. The third-year halfback rushed for 143 yards, and had a rushing touchdown. Mendenhall’s play helped provide a healthy balance for the offense, as it kept the pressure off of Batch’s shoulders. Once again, the Steelers’ defense was masterful. They allowed only one touchdown on the day, and forced two turnovers. One of which, was an interception by Brett Keisel, who returned it for a 79-yard touchdown. The defense kept Tampa’s ground game in check, and had three sacks on Josh Freeman.

By M.C. Smith

Batch it is

On Wednesday, head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Charlie Batch will be the starting quarterback for the team’s Week 3 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On the same day the decision was made, Byron Leftwich returned for his first full practice, since suffering a sprained MCL in the preseason. With Leftwich now back healthy, there has been much speculation that he would be named the starter. Nevertheless, Mike Tomlin obviously feels that Batch is the better option at this point in time.

Charlie Batch made his season debut last Sunday against the Titans, after Dennis Dixon was forced to leave the game with a torn MCL. Batch’s performance was far from stellar. The veteran quarterback went 5-11, for just 25 yards. He was also sacked twice.

By M.C. Smith

Defensive Dominance

Who needs an offense? That is the question many fans are asking themselves, after they witnessed the Steelers’ defense dominate the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. 19-11 was the final score, in favor of the Steelers. The victory improves the team’s record to 2-0, as they now stand alone atop the AFC North.

At kickoff, the temperature on the field was 87 degrees, it was the hottest game ever played at the Titans’ LP Field. While the temperature was hot, the Steelers’ defense proved to be on fire. The defensive unit forced a total of seven turnovers, and recorded four sacks. Troy Polamalu looked better than ever. The strong safety was all over the field, making tackles and wreaking havoc in the secondary. Polamalu had a key interception in the first quarter, which seemed to set the tone for the defense. The play of the day occurred late in the 4th quarter, when Polamalu timed the snap and leapt over the entire Titans’ offensive line to sack Kerry Collins, a truly amazing play. Another player who made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball was James Harrison. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year had a career day. Harrison had three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The linebacker led an unrelenting pass rush that harassed and bullied quarterbacks Vince young and Kerry Collins all day.

Chris Johnson is arguably, the best running back currently, in the NFL. Coming in to last Sunday’s game, Johnson had rushed for over 100 yards in the previous twelve games. The Steelers put an end to that streak. On sixteen carries, the back rushed for a measly 34 yards. The defense smothered Johnson and swarmed him on nearly every handoff. What was most impressive about this feat was that not only did the Steelers’ defense shut down one of the league most dynamic runners in the league, but they did it without one of their best run-stoppers in Casey Hampton. Hampton was inactive due to injury, taking his place was Chris Hoke. It is safe to say that Hoke filled in nicely.

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Steelers are undefeated. The defense is playing on a level that has not been seen for some time. The defense is carrying this team at a time when it is desperately needed. The passing game for the Steelers is struggling mightily, and with Dennis Dixon going down with an MCL tear, things just got a whole lot tougher for this team.

By M.C. Smith

Roethlisberger Gets Four Instead of Six

Four games it is. On Friday, Commissioner Roger Goodell reduced quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension from six games to four games. Roethlisberger will be able to return the team in time for the Steelers’ Week Six matchup against the Cleveland Browns on October 17th at Heinz Field.

Back in April, Commissioner Goodell suspended Roethlisberger six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension was conditional, meaning that it could be reduced, depending on Roethlisberger’s behavior and cooperation. Goodell obviously feels that the quarterback has fully complied with the terms of the suspension, thereby reducing it.

While the length of Roethlisberger’s suspension is now clear, the team’s quarterback situation is not. Byron Leftwich, who was the leading candidate to be the starter during Roethlisberger’s absence, sprained his MCL in Thursday night’s preseason game against Carolina. With Leftwich out three to four weeks, the Steelers must now choose between longtime veteran Charlie Batch, or the young Dennis Dixon.

By M.C. Smith