The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have lost Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich within the past two games, have much to be thankful for with their No. 3 quarterback, Charlie Batch. Week in and week out Batch has been draped in a parka on the sidelines awaiting the chance to actively play. Being dressed in an oversized coat without the Steelers uniform underneath, means you ain’t playin.
With his notorious inactive role for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Batch is changing his look into something more suiting: a black and gold uniform. He will be on the field, in the huddle, and taking snaps this Sunday as the Steelers go head to head with the Cleveland Browns.
Although Pittsburgh Steelers fans rally around their veteran back-up quarterback, controversy is still circulating throughout the city of why coach, Mike Tomlin didn’t replace an obviously injured Leftwich last Sunday.
During the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s showdown with the Ravens, Leftwich was unmistakably shaky, to say the least, yet Tomlin refused to give Batch the go-ahead which could’ve possibly turned the game around. When Tomlin was asked about how close he was to have Batch fill-in as Leftwich was being evaluated for a rib injury, he was quick to answer.
“I wasn’t. Obviously, he sustained some hits but that’s football, particularly when you’re talking about this matchup. He did a nice job of communicating where he was and, more than anything, we just wanted to do a nice job of communicating.”
With this particular instance, does Tomlin not have any faith in his No. 3 quarterback? This week, Tomlin is left without a choice and Batch, it is.
The last start for Batch was on December 24, 2011, when he replaced an injured Ben Roethlisberger and captured a Steelers victory (27-0) over the St. Louis Rams. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 208 yards with only one interception. Since joining the Steelers in 2002 as a fill-in starter, Batch is 5-2. With his proven track record and 15 year veteran experience, Charlie Batch still gets excited about the chance to start and play the game.
“You do because they are rare,” Batch said. “The longer you are in this game as a backup you don’t know when it’s going to happen. You count your blessings and continue to move forward.”
It’s time Batch takes off the parka and the Steelers start moving forward on the field of play. This Sunday’s pursuit is a must win along with having an abundant amount of Charlie Batch faith.
Photo Credit: Associated Press
