After losing two straight AFC North games, including a loss to the lowly Browns, the Steelers have learned that they go as Ben Roethlisberger goes. Though most teams solely rely on their starting QB for big wins, it could be argued that no teams relies more heavily on their signal caller than the Steelers do on Big Ben. In a performance against the Brown, which Antonio Brown referred to as “disgusting,” the Steelers became the first team with eight turnovers in a game since the Rams lost the football eight times back in 2001. Each RB that carried that ball for Pittsburgh in the 20-14 loss in Paul Brown Stadium had at least one fumble. Despite an opening 49-yard interception return for a TD by Lawrence Timmons, the Browns had a better day on the defensive side of the ball on Sunday.
In the last two weeks, the Steelers have seen two different players under center. After a heart-breaking home loss to the rival Ravens, backup Byron Leftwich sustained an injury that forced the third-string 37 year-old Charlie Batch to start on the road against a gritty Browns team. Though each game was winnable, the Quarterback play was certainly questionable to say the least. Leftwich, who is best known for his plus arm and long release, actually did provide an offensive score during his one game stint as a starter. However, he was unable to connect with the rookie David Gilreath on a wide-open route up the middle, which could have provided the potential game-tying field goal. Similarly, Charlie Batch had trouble finding his receiving core in a game that saw him throw as many balls towards Browns defenders. Batch finished the game with three interceptions on the day and barely over 100 yards through the air.
The Steelers offensive unit ranks dead last in the NFL in passing yards since the loss of Roethlisberger in a Monday Night game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Though the injury was thought to be a more serious rib fracture, which Roethlisberger stated, “could be deadly due to proximity to the aorta,” there are whispers that Big Ben has an outside chance of playing against a Baltimore team that leads the division.
While fans clamor for the return of Ben to the lineup, an injury to the ribcage and throwing shoulder will not equal immediate results on the field. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Steelers run game, anchored by the trio of Mendenhall, Redman, and Dwyer, has been abysmal. Take into account that none are near 100% healthy and that dynamic rookie Chris Rainey might be done for the season with a rib injury of his own, and the Steelers do not have a recipe for success running the football. Not to mention the meager average of
In an updated story, Pro-Bowl Center Maurkice Pouncey has been working at guard in practice this week. With injuries to Willie Colon (knee) and rookie Mike Adams (ankle), Pouncey has been getting the technique down for the start this Sunday and hinted that “If Willie Colon doesn’t play, I will play guard.” The biggest beneficiary in this situation is for Doug Legursky, who can play all three offensive line positions. Legursky, who has shown he can admirably handle spot duty along the O-line, is used to playing in big games. In the Steelers Super Bowl XLV run, in which the team eventually lost to the Packers, Legursky filled in for Pouncey who had sustained a leg injury that sidelined him through the entire playoff series. Legursky commented on the situation stating that, “I think it is no secret around the league or around this locker room that I am a better center than I am a guard…I know personally that I am more natural there.”
If there is encouraging news headed into a quick rematch with Baltimore, is that Antonio Brown (ankle) and Troy Polamalu (calf) might be re-joining the starting lineups Sunday. Brown, alongside Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders, leads a dangerous receiving corps in receptions Sanders, who has certainly excelled for the offense with the injury to Brown, might be leaned on more heavily as Brown figures out how tender the ankle really is and Mike Tomlin’s public criticism of Wallace’s production. Though Wallace cannot be blamed for his drop in numbers, the return of Brown can actually be a positive for the third year man out of Ole Miss. If anything, the threat of having an Antonio Brown on the field will affect how the struggling Raven’s D scheme their defenses, with Wallace benefiting from the openings created. Though neither reserve signal caller has instilled much faith in effectively moving the ball, the Steelers have to air it out with the rushing attack being unable to perform. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley must dig deep in the playbook and maybe even instill some trick plays if the team is going to be able to win without #7 in the game.
The Steelers have also activated their first-round pick David DeCastro off of the IR, and the rookie is set to practice on a limited basis starting this week. With Mike Adams’ injury looking more severe, Marcus Gilbert on IR, and rookie Kelvin Beachum struggling in relief, the Steelers could use the services of their stud Guard to right the ship.
So what does this mean for the Playoffs? With the Bengals now winning three-straight and tying Pittsburgh for the 6-seed in the Playoffs, must the Steelers throw all their cards on the table this week against the division leading Ravens? Personally, the Steelers should avoid rushing Big Ben back too quickly and risk losing him for the season against the physical Ravens defenders. With a slightly easier schedule hanging in the balance, the Steelers can ill-afford to lose Ben if they are going to make a stretch-run. Holding a record of (6-5) is nothing to sneeze at, especially with a bulk of top AFC teams struggling just as much. The Steelers “aging” D has channeled some of their former glory, and can keep the offense in ballgames with a healthy Polamalu. Bottom line, Big Ben is the only player on the team that can lead the team to victory. Whether avoiding would-be tacklers to extend plays downfield, the high third down conversion rate, or just the ability to make all the throws on the field, Roethlisberger has certain chemistry with this team that no one else can bring. Tomlin and his staff should do the right thing and rest the guy for one more week simply in fear of losing him for an extended period of time. With the lack of talent at QB coming up from the college ranks next year, the Steelers cannot afford losing Roethlisberger for any more time this season and beyond.
