There is no longer a quarterback debate in Pittsburgh … at least for Week 4. Charlie Batch was named the starter for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The past two seasons, the 35-year-old more closely resembled a coach — wearing a headset and signaling in plays from the sideline — than an NFL player.
But Batch flourishes in his relief role. Since coming to Pittsburgh in 2003, Batch is 4-1 as a starter.
Despite his success in the past, the Steelers went through several other options in their search for a fill-in while starter Ben Roethlisberger served a four-game suspension.
Pittsburgh traded for Byron Leftwich in the offseason with hopes he would emerge as the clear stand-in for Roethlisberger. But Leftwich injured his knee in the preseason, forcing him to miss the games he was brought in to start.
The Steelers then turned to third-year quarterback Dennis Dixon to open the season. But another knee injury forced the Steelers to finally call on Batch.
And the 13-year vet responded — throwing three touchdown passes in a 38-13 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.
If he’s able to duplicate his performance from last week and connect with Mike Wallace on a couple more bombs against their AFC North rival Sunday, maybe Batch could challenge Roethlisberger for the starting job … or at least solidify his roster spot.
