Should Batch play regardless if Ben is ready to go or not ?

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 10-24-2006, 12:26 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_476377.html

There's a good article that talks about Charlie and how he's good player to have right now. He can run the offense well and the team has confidence in him.

The question is, even if the Doctors clear him to play this week, maybe we should go with Charlie against the Raiders and give Ben an extra week to get his head cleared. It's a tough call because you don't want him out too long and have him get rusty again if you can help it. But if they say he's fine, maybe he should have 1 extra week to heal up.

Obviously if he's not ready we're in good shape this week with Charlie in there. His health comes first.

**Steelersfan** · 10-24-2006, 12:32 AM

I agree. Start Batch and give Ben a week to recover. Like I said in another post we should be able to beat the Raiders easily with Batch. If not then we aren't going anywhere this year......lol

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 10-24-2006, 12:37 AM

Ive got enough confidence in Charlie to lead us this week if we need it. I certainly don't want Ben out of the game if he's healthy and ready to go but if there is even the slightest doubt, stick Charlie in and let him go get us a win !

**Steelerlyn** · 10-24-2006, 12:49 AM

If Ben is healthy he should play. Batch is a backup for a reason.

Now, there is soreness which is part of the game and why Tiki Barber is retiring and why Bettis retired, Then there are serious health issues.

If Ben is sore from being knocked around well that is just part of the game.

If Ben is unhealthy per the team doctors, he definitely should not play, unless he is out per the team doctors he definitely should be under center.

**Prosdo** · 10-24-2006, 12:49 AM

If Ben is ready I say dress him incase we really need him, but I'm comfortable with Charlie starting.

**Koopa** · 10-24-2006, 12:50 AM

if ben is ready, start him, gotta pad those stats and get his confedince up as much as possible

**augustashark** · 10-24-2006, 12:55 AM

If he can go then he plays. When you fall off the horse you get up (if you can) and get right back on. He was on a good roll the last two games and I think if healthy he can continue to roll. IMO.

**Steelersfan** · 10-24-2006, 01:20 AM

I agree with you all for the most part but just don't forget it wasn't that long ago that Ben had is face planted into a car. The coaching staff needs to keep a close eye on him after getting hit to the head like he was.
I want Ben out there if he is %100 right now. If not let him heal and use Batch.

**BBG7** · 10-24-2006, 01:52 AM

My opinion is if Ben is healthy, he needs to play. He is our QB However, if he is not healthy, I know Batch can handle it!

**AZ_Steeler** · 10-24-2006, 01:52 AM

My only concern is he takes a week off then he's rusty for the Bronco game. I don't care if it the Raiders the Steelers are playing this week, get a big lead bring in Batch midway through the 3rd and give Ben his time off. But Ben taking a week off isn't good... as we all know!