Miami catches break versus Pittsburgh

[TigerJ]

I'm sure you've all heard by now, Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger is out of Sunday's game versus Miami recovering from an appendectomy. We've been discussing the break the Bills caught from NE, dealing with an injury to Lawrence Maroney and labor troubles with Deion Branch. How does that compare with the break Miami catches by facing Charlie Batch rather than Big Ben? Discuss.

[RedEyE]

Well Batch was 2-0 in Ben's absence last season. I'd still give the Steelers the leg up although the loss of Rothlisberger is obviously huge.

The Dolphins are still working on team chemistry. It won't take Culpepper long to get into the swing of things.Timing is the key for the Dolphins. The line is trying to jell, and outside of Brown, the running game needs some pracitice.

[justasportsfan]

You know Lebeau is gonna blitz the hell out of Culp. That Miami OL better hold. I would blitz them from Bennies side. He'll get all nervous and commit one penalty after another, I hope.

[The King]

Ward may be out too.

[Jan Reimers]

If Ward is out as well as Big Ben, Miami has a far bigger advantage than the Bills. Brady hasn't had an appendectomy, has he?

[justasportsfan]

Brady hasn't had an appendectomy, has he?Nope, but the sex change operation has been brought up.

BTW, Miami supposedly interest in Charles Rogers.


http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2006/09/05/a6c_finsnotes_0905.html

Rogers to Miami?: Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for former Detroit Lions receiver Charles Rogers, said on WSVN-TV the Dolphins have shown interest in his client.

Rogers, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft, was cut by the Lions after three injury-plagued seasons. Saban recruited Rogers to Michigan State before Saban left for LSU.

"We'll make some decisions later on as to who we decide to work out," Saban said. "Things just haven't worked out for him (in Detroit). That doesn't mean there is not some other circumstance that he wouldn't fit into. He has a lot of ability. Since he is a player that we know, we would love to see the guy do well."

[Tinboy]

From NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9638511)


During a 20-10 win against the Green Bay Packers, Batch completed 9 of 16 passes for 65 yards, with one interception. During a 34-21 win over the Cleveland Browns, Batch completed 13 of 19 passes for 150 yards, while also running for a touchdown.

One reason Batch has fared well is that the Steelers have modified their game plan and leaned even more on the run. But just as important, the Steelers like Batch and play hard for him. Batch is a quarterback who accepts challenges, who is easygoing, who is well liked around Pittsburgh's locker room. The Steelers rallied behind him last year. They will do it again Thursday night.

Well put I think.

[Jan Reimers]

Nope, but the sex change operation has been brought up.

Yeah, but is he subtracting or adding?

[BILLSROCK1212]

If Ward is out as well as Big Ben, Miami has a far bigger advantage than the Bills. Brady hasn't had an appendectomy, has he?
ward is not out

[justasportsfan]

Yeah, but is he subtracting or adding? :idunno:

[Night Train]

QB may not be the focus at all.

It's probably going to be Willie Parker and Ronnie Brown being the majority of each teams offense. Whoever stops the run better wins.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

Well Batch was 2-0 in Ben's absence last season.

Against the Packers and the Browns. Two of the worst teams in the NFL last season.

This is a much bigger test for Batch. Miami has looked good against the run in preseason. Expect them to force Batch to play a big role.

Defensively the Steelers will be tough.

17-14 Miami.

[gr8slayer]

What a boring game this will be without Ben.