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STEELERS NEXT GAME: SUNDAY 9/12 VS. ATLANTA 1:00 PM
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Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon? Which quarterback will be under center this Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons for the season opener at Heinz Field? With veteran QB Byron Leftwich out 2-4 weeks with an MCL sprain, will Head Coach Mike Tomlin give the green light to the veteran Batch or the young, talented Dixon? Both Batch and Dixon have said they would be “Ready to go,” if they are called upon to lead their team in the absence of starter Ben Roethlisberger, who is serving a four game suspension for violating the league’s conduct policy. On Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reduced Roethlisberger’s initial six game suspension to four games for following league mandated guidelines regarding player conduct.
With the absence of both Roethlisberger and Leftwich, whether it’s Batch or Dixon, Pittsburgh will be inclined to utilize the running game more with third year star Rashard Mendenhall who played well last year following a shoulder injury which sidelined him most his rookie season. The Offensive Line will have to step up their game in order to protect their QB if they want to be able to utilize their talent on offense. With the trade of Santonio Holmes to the Jets in the off-season, the Steelers re-signed WR Atwaan Randle-El who, along with veteran receiver Hines Ward and up and coming star Mike Wallace should prove to be a formidable combination in the three receiver set. With six year star Heath Miller along with rookies Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, the Steelers will have many offensive weapons which should open up the field and give their QB many targets.
Over the years, the strength of the Steelers success has been their defense, which they will look to once again to keep games close as opposing defenses look to exploit Pittsburgh’s quarterback issues. With the age of Batch and the inexperience of Dixon, defensive coordinators will most certainly look to game plan to take advantage of the Steelers QB issues. Returning from injuries that sidelined them most of the year will be SS Troy Polamalu and DE Aaron Smith. Along with Lawrence Timmons, James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison and the return of Larry Foote, Defensive Coordinator, and recent Hall of Fame inductee, Dick LeBeau has the weapons he needs to punish the opposition. The corners look good as well with Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden as the starters. The keys to Pittsburgh’s success this season will focus on how well the O-Line can protect their QB and open up holes for the running game, taking advantage of red zone scoring opportunities and having a solid return game on special teams.
The Atlanta Falcons had back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history last year, but their recent success did not earn them a playoff spot. Matt Ryan struggled last season after having a very productive rookie season. Roddy White has emerged as one of the top receivers in the NFL and Tony Gonzalez returns at Tight End. Along with injuries to several stars, the Falcons also struggled on defense last year as they were ranked 28th in the league in sacks. Atlanta added LB Sean Weatherspoon in this year’s draft to go along with much needed depth on the defensive side of the ball as they were ranked 21st in the league in total defense and 28th in the league in pass defense.
Sunday’s showdown at Heinz Field between these two teams should be entertaining. The Steelers will want to send a message to the league that even without starting QB Roethlisberger; they are still a team that can win games with their experience, depth and “Smashmouth” defense. Along with solid O-Line protection and a productive running game, that message will be sent “Loud & Clear.”
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