If he's chosen, Batch says he's ready

[stillers4me]

If he's chosen, Batch says he's ready
Saturday, September 04, 2010
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
Charlie Batch


Charlie Batch might have walked out of the Steelers' doors for the final time when coach Mike Tomlin reduced his roster to 53 players today.
Instead, Batch likely will lead the Steelers at quarterback into their season opener Sept. 12 against Atlanta at Heinz Field because Byron Leftwich will miss two to four weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Leftwich was injured during the second quarter of Thursday night's final preseason game against Carolina.
The forgotten man in this summer's quarterback derby likely will become The Man.
"You look back, we had three solid guys who were able to go in, step in, if needed," Batch said. "Now we're down to two. Over the weekend, they'll determine what's going to happen. Either way, I'll be ready to go.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10247...#ixzz0yYy8EyFW

[stillers4me]

No decision on Steelers' starting QB yet

By Mark Kaboly, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Photos

Dennis Dixon

Now that Byron Leftwich is injured and likely out two to four games, and Ben Roethlisberger's suspension has been cut to four games, Dennis Dixon appears to be in line to start the season at quarterback for the Steelers.


But the team has yet to make that official, and it could opt for veteran Charlie Batch instead...................

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_697908.html

[Buckinnuts]

this what nfl.com is reporting. I like charlie but come on go with the speed
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...e=HP_headlines

[Steeltreal]

Gotta love that commitment to the run. "Hand off Charlie, for the love of god HAND OFF!"

[ShoeHorn]

At least we got the inevitable Leftwich injury out of the way in the preseason. It's gotta be 4 games of Dennis Dixon now with Batch backing him up. Oh and Randle El as the emergency!!

[Edman]

It's all good.

I don't expect Batch to last long anyway.

[BuddhaBus]

At least we got the inevitable Leftwich injury out of the way in the preseason. It's gotta be 4 games of Dennis Dixon now with Batch backing him up. Oh and Randle El as the emergency!!

Don't forget Ward as the emergency emergency QB!

[stillers4me]

Charlie is the one who is most likely to be able to manage a game, let the team pull together and not lose the game. It's probably the smartest choice to make at this point. Both Leftwich and Dixon have eyes on a starting gig and would be more likely to to take a chance and throw the game away. Batch knows this is his final curtain bow. With Charlie, it's not about adding to a resume, but getting the "W" in the win column, even if it's only by one point.

[SteelerEmpire]

I think Batch can "keep us from losing" which is a little different from "helping us to win" games...

[Polamalu Princess]

There are arguments for both Batch and Dixon. I think that it is going to be a tough call either way.

[cold-hard-steel]

I,m not against Dixon playing,starting i would want Batch.There is nothing wrong with easing Dixon into the game plan here and there.Opening day game,i just want the experience that Batch brings.We need to find the best way to come out of the first 4 games with as many wins as we can get.I would play "Batch until the wheels fall off".Taking a famous quote from Tomlin.

[stillers4me]

I think Batch can "keep us from losing" which is a little different from helping us to "win games"...

And that was my point. In the end, all that really matters is the final score and gettin the "W". The rooks get some valuable experience and "jelling" time, but Ben is the one that can help "win" the last 12 games. They just need to keep the ship afloat until he's back. In the meantime, just don't do crazy things to lose the games. Charlie has the experience to do that, IMO. Not that I don't expect to see alittle bit of Dixon's special skills in the mix. I hope we do.

In the end, just "not losing" even one game, could be the difference between a playoff spot and sitting at home again.

[BuddhaBus]

I think Batch could be the better game manager and make smarter decisions, but I didn't get to see enough of him throwing in the preseason to determine if he still has "it" or not. He would definitely bring veteran experience and leadership to the huddle and not throw the game away.

Dixon is easily the more exciting playmaker of the two and his legs and speed bring a lot to the table. He's exciting and fast and we may need a more mobile QB until the O-line settles in some. They have not looked that good and that alone may force the coaching staff's hand if they start Batch and he is getting creamed every other play. I trust they will put in whoever they feel will give us the best chance to win games. Personally, I'd like to see a rotation of the 2 to keep defenses guessing and on their heels.

[tihmtahm]

I like Batch. He's been at least fair in previous back-up situations. I agree with SteelerEmpire that he can keep the team from losing. I think it's going to depend on the O line, but Batch is very familiar with the system and the players. We can definitely win with Batch. Dixon... I'm not so sure about yet.

[SteelerEmpire]

I,m not against Dixon playing,starting i would want Batch.There is nothing wrong with easing Dixon into the game plan here and there.Opening day game,i just want the experience that Batch brings.We need to find the best way to come out of the first 4 games with as many wins as we can get.I would play "Batch until the wheels fall off".Taking a famous quote from Tomlin.

There's and old 70's jam who's main theme was,"I'm gone ride the M***** F***** til the wheels fall off " (talking about his car). I can't remember the name of the song or who sang it, but all through it he kept sayin' "I'm gone ride the M***** F***** til the wheels fall off ". It did have a catchy tune though. I think Mike Tomlin was a kid listening to his step dad play that song around the house... lol...