Batch gets the nod against the Clowns

[BlitzburghRockCity]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05312/602424.stm

Ugly or not, Charlie Batch's performance in Green Bay likely earned him a second consecutive start at quarterback for the Steelers Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field.

Batch's first start in nearly four seasons resulted in a 20-10 Steelers victory against the Packers at Lambeau Field despite his abysmal passing statistics.

Batch was 9 of 16 for 65 yards, one interception and a 39.8 passer rating. But he impressed his coaching staff with his poise and will get another chance Sunday.

The Steelers want Ben Roethlisberger to rest his right knee one more week. He had surgery to remove part of a torn meniscus Thursday and the target date for his return is Nov. 20 in Baltimore. After convincing Roethlisberger to have the surgery, they do not want to rush him back too soon and risk damaging the knee again.

Batch threw an interception in Green Bay when he misread coverage and thought Hines Ward would run a shorter route than he did. He also fumbled a conventional snap from Jeff Hartings, but recovered it, and recovered a wayward snap in the shotgun. Had he fielded the first snap cleanly, he might have seen receiver Antwaan Randle El open deep for a touchdown.

It also was obvious that Batch's four years without playing had an effect on him and how he reacted to the speed of the defense. He was sacked only once but he scrambled eight times, squirming out of the pocket too soon on many of them. Once, he had tight end Heath Miller open but instead broke out of the pocket before his protection broke down.

His coaches, though, will consider his lack of playing time as a factor in some of that and will continue to play him over Tommy Maddox, demoted to third string after he started Oct. 16 for an injured Roethlisberger and kicked away an overtime loss to Jacksonville.

"He managed the game well," coach Bill Cowher said of Batch. "We didn't throw the ball for a whole lot of yardage, but I like to think he will get better, too. That was his first live action in a game, in a hostile environment.

"I think he will get some confidence after [Sunday]. But we have to be more efficient throwing it."

No one has been more efficient than Roethlisberger, who has led the league most of the season in passer rating and is still on top with a 112.4. He has thrown just two interceptions and his 9.1-yard average gain per pass is the highest in the NFL.

But his two veteran backups, who combined have 82 NFL regular-season starts and 17 seasons of NFL experience, have not thrown the ball well in their two games replacing him. Combined they are 20 of 44 for 219 yards, a touchdown, four interceptions and a dismal 30.4 passer rating.

"Sometimes, the same plays you run with Charlie, when you run them with Ben, Ben at times can take a play and it can look a lot different because he can improvise," Cowher said.

Roethlisberger's value has become even more evident with every game he misses. He has doused any idea he's merely out there to manage the offense.

"Not true, he's made too many big plays for us," offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said recently. "If you just look at the plays we've had over 20 yards -- if that's the measuring stick this year -- then you can't say that about him. That's not an accurate statement.

"He does manage the game very well for us in his second year because he does understand the offense. What he does now, he sees the field better and he's certainly a lot more confident in what we're doing.

"He's not asked to throw the ball very much because we've had success early in games this year and got up on opponents and used the running game to eat up the clock. It's not any fault of Ben's. It's just the system he's in. No, he's not out there not to lose the game."

And he won't be out there Sunday night against the Browns at Heinz Field, when Batch again will be charged not to lose the game.

[pitt]

Troy won us that game, not Charlie. I hope Batch plays better next week.

[Atlanta Dan]

At this stage of the year the plan is to survive and advance by winning tnext 2 games against the Browns and Ravens.

I suppose the Browns could play out of their collective minds Sunday night, but both for this season and the future it would be idiotic to risk playing Ben this Sunday. Although playing Maddox would provide some entertaining home crowd reactions, that obviously cannot occur - Batch is the only option.

With regard to other injured starters, I hope Farrior is given time to recover and, even if somewhat healthy by the end of November, does not come back until the Bengals game. Given the choice between winning the Monday night Colts game (not likely given the way the Steelers' D and the Colts currently are playing) or the Bengals game, beating Cincy is far more important in terms of winning the division.

Although after last night it is hard to see anyone beating Indy at home in the playoffs, if the Steelers are to have a chance they will need a QB and defense that is given sufficient time to heal.

[BB2W]

I hope Charlie is able to put up more than 65 yards passing. That has got to be one of the lowest totals for any QB to play the entire game.

[ATENEARS]

Man, you guys are really scared aren't you? Seriously, one post after another with a sheepish attitude and excuse list. Aww, poor Charlie batch is gonna start, Whaaa! Geez, toughen up a bit already. We don't care who is starting on offense, it ain't your QB that we are going to spend the week game planning against. We need to score. Our defense will make things very difficult no matter who's carrying the rock or who's under center. We have all kinds of potential that we have only touched the surface on offensively. Braylon Edwards is gonna have his break-out 170-yards receiving and Droughns is gonna run it down your turkey necks. Northcutt is gonna return two punts and the Browns are gonna happy dance all over Heinz field.

This is an attitude game and the Browns are gelling. Good night.

[BB2W]

Do you actually think anyone here, or affiliated with the team is worried about the Browns??? The Brownies are a joke... they lost ot the Texans. LOL

Look at the bright side, with a couple more losses you guys will be in the running for the Matt Leinhart trophey.

[BIGBENFASTWILLIE]

Originally Posted by ATENEARS

Man, you guys are really scared aren't you? Seriously, one post after another with a sheepish attitude and excuse list. Aww, poor Charlie batch is gonna start, Whaaa! Geez, toughen up a bit already. We don't care who is starting on offense, it ain't your QB that we are going to spend the week game planning against. We need to score. Our defense will make things very difficult no matter who's carrying the rock or who's under center. We have all kinds of potential that we have only touched the surface on offensively. Braylon Edwards is gonna have his break-out 170-yards receiving and Droughns is gonna run it down your turkey necks. Northcutt is gonna return two punts and the Browns are gonna happy dance all over Heinz field.

This is an attitude game and the Browns are gelling. Good night.

you idiot.......the browns suck. havent you watched a game in the past few years..
Not to mention Droughns is proubaly gonna show up drunk!!!The alcoholic

[Suitanim]

The Browns defense is the only thing to worry about. Period. I actually wouldn't be at all surprised to see Charlie Frye this week, since there's no way in Hell Trent Dilfer will be effective.

[clevestinks]

Dear, Mr.Batch,
I unfortunatley live in the cleveland area, 35 miles east. I really need you to play at your all time best level. We really need this win, my lively hood depends on it. I can hold my own here, but a win really lets me enjoy my life here. So please , please please, win this one for us poor pitiful fans who have to live here.
Sincerely,
Clevestinks

[SteelCityMan786]

Batch will do well In his starting Job against the Browns.

Dear Mr. Charles Batch,

Good Luck Sunday AND GO SEND THE CLOWNS TO THE POUND!