If there was ever a time that emphasized the importance of the quarter back for the Pittsburgh offense, it would be this week, as the Steelers get ready to play the Ravens for the second time in just three weeks, possibly without the injured Ben Rothlisberger, who was sidelined with a sprained shoulder and a dislocated rib a few weeks ago. Traditionally, Pittsburgh's strategy consisted of a solid running game to manage the clock and a top notch defense. However, times in the National Football League are changing and even the legendary black and gold franchise recognize it. As quarter backs are more protected (sometimes over protected) with a series of new rules and even more penalty flags, the NFL has become more about an air show that racks up record points than a smash mouth running game that can dictate the direction of a contest. If that does the game justice is another matter for another time, but the fact remains, the NFL is more profitable than ever and the QBs putting up the big numbers are what draws the ratings, which is why the "pass first" mind set is not just a trend in the NFL, but rather part of the evolution of the game.
So, what does this mean for the black and gold? Simply put, if they want to make any type of playoff run this season, Rothlesburger will have to find a way to suit up this Sunday and presumably stay healthy for the rest of the season because judging from the past two weeks, the Steelers can't win close or even games they should win easily with their current back up QB situation. Does this mean Ben gets rushed back before he's 100% ready to go? Possibly. Does this mean Ben should have to rush back? Absolutely not. Pittsburgh has enough of a running game and a defensive that could limit the opposing team's scoring drives that a back up should be able to at least manage the game to a Steelers' win. Without a solid back up as an option, Pittsburgh, a team that can be a contender during any season, is one injury away from the season becoming worthless. Granted, any hit is all it takes to ruin any team's season in the NFL, but given the weapons the Steelers have in other aspects, a OB injury shouldn't doom their season. Plus, as Colin Kaepernick showed the past two weeks, not every back up has to be some wash up that couldn't get it done on another team.
When Rothlisberger went down, the former Jaguars' QB, Bryon Leftwich stepped in and then hastily exited with an injury of his own after just one game, which is basically the same thing that happened a few years ago when the Steelers requested his services. Leftwich is decent, but he's injury prone and he has been basically useless for the team so he should be released so the team can look for a more reliable option as a back up. Speaking of back ups, the 38 year old Charlie Batch replaced Leftwich last week, for a game against the Cleveland Browns and threw three interceptions in the process. It's difficult to say this because I've met Charlie and the Pittsburgh native is very polite and does a tremendous amount of charity work, but it's time for him to retire. He should unquestionably have a spot with the Steelers because he's a good representative for the team and his association with the black and gold allows him to get a further reach with charity efforts, but the spot Batch should have is in the front office, not on the field.
That being said, those situations are for the off season, but what the direction for the Steelers going forward in the next few weeks is anyone's guess. Opinions vary on Rothlisberger, but he proved his value to the team without even being on the field and if he can't return for the Ravens game this week, The Steelers could be bumped from the wild card spot, as Cincinnati could surpass Pittsburgh in the rankings. Hopefully, The Steelers will eventually draft a solid back up and improve the offensive line so that a season won't collapse if Ben is injured again. Even if Rothlisberger is back on the field that doesn't guarantee a victory against the Ravens, but it certainly improves the chances of a Pittsburgh win.
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