Bleacher Report - Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger Out, Dennis Dixon in | NFL Fantasy Football Rankings

Fantasy-Info .com — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:27:42 -0500

Last week, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a concussion in an overtime loss to the Chiefs . Once Roethlisberger left the game, the team turned the rains over to steady veteran Charlie Batch to finish the game.

Unfortunately, for the Steelers, Batch suffered a wrist injury and will be out for the rest of the regular season. Because of this key injury, the team is now left with inexperienced but talented young quarterback Dennis Dixon to backup Roethlisberger.

Likely In, Likely Out

For most of the week, it looked like the Steelers would have their star quarterback under center for an all important game on Sunday night against the Ravens. Roethlisberger passed all medical tests and was given a clear bill of health to play but in spite of all that Big Ben told his coach, he might not play on Friday.

Roethlisberger needed to sleep on his decision to play and on Saturday mourning Fox sports Jay Glazer broke the news that the Steelers would be without their star quarterback for this week's game.

Now Pittsburgh is faced with starting second year quarterback Dixon who has thrown one completion (last year) in his short NFL career.

In the Heat of the Night

While Dixon had a fabulous career with the Oregon Ducks he will now be tested against one of the best defenses the NFL has to offer in his first career start. The Ravens thrive on playing offenses that have problems stretching the field with the deep passing game.

If the Steelers are not able to make the Ravens' respect the passing game down the field than Ed Reed and the secondary players will sit on the Steelers short passing routes.

Not only that but when the Ravens are able to play that kind of game you can forget about running the football with regular effectiveness.

One of Dixon's weapons that should give the Ravens problems is his ability to move out of the pocket and pick up first downs with his legs.

The main question for Dixon is will he be able to handle playing at the NFL speed?

Fantasy Outlook

Unless you don't have good options on your bench, I would suggest you bench your Steeler fantasy players for this contest. We don't know what Dixon will be able to do, but in a game like this, on the road, the odds are that it won't be good.

That is not to say that Dixon can't be a good quarterback in the future but in this game, I'm not sure he can sustain drives down the field to give fantasy owners the stats they need for success.

Next week the Steelers will face the Raiders in Pittsburgh and in that game if Dixon is in you should definitely get your main players in.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

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Steelers-Ravens: Ben Roethlisberger Out, Dennis Dixon In

Brian Carson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:54:46 -0500

In a stunning turn of events, it appears Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not play Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

Roethlisberger complained of headaches after practice on Wednesday and Thursday, despite passing all neurological tests this week and pronouncing himself fit to play.

Team doctors will test him today and tomorrow to see how he feels and if he'll be able to go, but all signs point to Big Ben not playing.

Dennis Dixon, who started the season as the No. 3 man, will be making the first NFL start of his career.

The Steelers plan to sign quarterback Tyler Palko from the practice squad today to their 53-man roster and he will back up Dixon tomorrow in Baltimore provided Roethlisberger does not suit up.

Palko's first practice with the Steelers came Thursday after he cleared CFL waivers and was signed to their practice squad. Veteran receiver Shaun McDonald will be released.

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Breaking News: Ben Roethlisberger Inactive Vs. Ravens With Concussion

Matt Miselis — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:51:28 -0500

In the disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, Pittsburgh held their breath when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went down with a "concussion-like injury."

The entire Steelers staff, lead by head coach Mike Tomlin, wanted to observe Roethlisberger's progress, and would make a decision as to whether or not No. 7 would play.

Earlier this week, Roethlisberger was rumored to start against the Baltimore Ravens, their division rivals, on Sunday.

Many tests were taken throughout the week, making sure Roethlisberger could hold his own in a match up like this.

As of Friday, he was determined a game-time decision. But that did not last long, according to Fox Sports .

According to FOX.com, Roethlisberger will not play against their rival Sunday, in what could be the biggest game of the year.

Both the Steelers and Ravens are fighting for playoff spots, and with the blow already to Troy Polamalu, they are taking it safe by resting their quarterback this week.

Due to Charlie Batch requiring season-ending surgery earlier this week, former Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon will make his first career start.

The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers will square off in one of the NFL's more heated rivalries Sunday Night.

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com.

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FOXSports.com: Ben Roethlisberger Will Not Play Against Baltimore Ravens

Vincent Jackson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:34:02 -0500

FOXSports.com NFL reporter Jay Glazer is reporting that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not play this Sunday in a critical division matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Second year quarterback Dennis Dixon will get the start in his place and according to team doctors, the two-time Super Bowl champion was experiencing "exercise-induced headaches" that have deemed him unable to start.

Roethlisberger was hit in the head on a scramble play last week during the Steelers' overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and left the game after throwing for 398 yards and three touchdowns.

The NFL has come under fire for its handling of situations regarding concussions and has since launched a new initiative in dealing with players past and present who suffer from its symptoms.

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Big Ben, Do You Know about Iron Mike?

Kevin Lindsey — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:09:21 -0500

Ben Roethlisberger may be undertaking the biggest risk of his life by playing on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Big Ben suffered a concussion last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Roethlisberger suffers another concussion this weekend he will be at enhanced risk for long-term brain damage.

I hope that those around him have adequately explained the long-term risks to his health. I hope that someone has told him about Steelers Legend Mike Webster.

Not about how Webster earned four Super Bowl rings protecting Terry Bradshaw and leading the way for Franco Harris.

Not about how Webster was so tough that he started in 150 straight games and played in 177 consecutive games.

No. The story that needs to be told is what happened after Webster stopped playing.

Webster retired from football in March 1991 after playing 16 years and suffering multiple concussions, which had damaged Webster’s frontal lobe.

The remaining 11 years of his life after football were not pleasant.

Webster’s health deteriorated, leaving him unemployed, debt-ridden, and occasionally homeless. Webster even found himself on the wrong side of the law, accepting five years of probation after being charged with forging prescriptions for the drug Ritalin.

Webster died at age 50. At the time of his death he was suffering from brain damage and had been diagnosed with traumatic or punch-drunk encephalopathy.

Prior to his death, Webster sought to collect disability benefits from the NFL’s Retirement Plans. The dispute ended up before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals before Webster’s estate reached a reported multi-million dollar settlement. [1]

The NFL Retirement Plans were undoubtedly encouraged to reach settlement by the finding of credible evidence that Webster had suffered brain damage before he retired from the game.

The story that needs to be told about Webster is how the league reacted in response to his death.

After the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion was issued, the league faced criticism over how proactive the league was to ensure the safety of its players.

The Webster case was a significant factor of why Congress invited the NFL to Washington to discuss reducing concussions among its players. The visit to Congress has already prompted the NFL to act.

This week the Associated Press reported that commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to NFL teams on Tuesday about concussions, which stated, in part, that the co-chairmen of the league’s committee on brain injuries had resigned.

Goodell’s memo also states that Dr. Ira Casson and Dr. David Viano had resigned and that the league was in the process of identifying their replacements. Goodell’s memo noted that he wanted to add new members “who will bring to the committee independent sources of expertise and experience in the field of head injuries.”

Dr. Casson was recently criticized by the NFL Players Association and members of Congress for his comments, calling into question independent and league-sponsored studies linking NFL careers with heightened risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Commissioner Goodell also announced this week that he is looking into rule changes and how teams conduct practices and offseason workouts, in an effort to reduce the likelihood of concussions among players.

The story that needs to be told is about how Webster’s death may have lead to the discovery of a degenerative brain disease.

Jeanne Marie Laskas in the October issue of GQ magazine chronicles how Dr. Bennet Omalu discovered and named a progressive degenerative disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, after discovering a toxic protein in the brain of Webster. The identified toxic protein kills brain cells and impairs function.

CTE has been found in the brains of several former NFL players that have died prematurely such as Terry Long, Justin Strzelczyk, and Andre Waters. University research is now being conducted related to CTE.

There is no doubt that Big Ben is one of the game’s mightiest warriors by any measurable standard applied. There is also no doubt that the same could be said for "Iron" Mike Webster.

ESPN analyst Merrill Hoge, a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back who retired early due to the number of concussions he suffered during his career, suggested this week that the NFL needs to adopt a bright line policy for dealing with the return of players who have suffered concussions.

Hoge’s suggestion is that a player at a minimum would be held out for one week from any contact and would be ineligible to play for seven days.

His suggestion is based upon the consensus within the medical community that once a player suffers a concussion, they are much more susceptible to subsequent concussions in the future if they suffer head trauma prior to completely healing from the initial concussion.

The decision to play this week is not insignificant to Big Ben or the Steelers. Pittsburgh is in second place in its division at 6-4 and is fighting to make the playoffs. Big Ben leading the Steelers would be a pleasant sight.

Of course having a healthy Big Ben leading the team for several productive years and being a goodwill ambassador after he retires is also significant to the Steelers, and something the fans would love to see.

The decision to play after a concussion carries risk, as Brian Westbrook learned earlier this season. I hope Roethlisberger makes the right decision after having all the facts before him.

I hope that someone has told Big Ben about Iron Mike.

[1] See Sunny Jani v. The Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Retirement Plan; The NFL Player Supplemental Disability Plan, No. 05-2386 (Dec. 13, 2006).

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Cult Of The Quarterback: Why NFL Rules To Protect The QB Erode The Game

David Xaviel is the Real Mr. X — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:35:15 -0500

Here is a topic that grinds my gears: the debate on whether the NFL should inordinately protect the quarterback, and whether it makes the game better.

Frankly, I think it makes the game worse. To me, it is the same as home runs from steroids, only in the NFL it is a codified inflation of stats.

Statistics don't make the game better, they make it worse. It is that simple.

Remember the movie The Incredibles ? In this case, stats aren't special when nearly every quarterback has comparable stats. The numbers are nihilistic. Rather than making the game exciting, they become more of a sedative than an endorphin.

Since 2004, two quarterbacks—Peyton Manning and Tom Brady—have broken the single-season record for touchdown passes, with Daunte Culpepper also coming close.

Never mind the glaring fact that Randy Moss is the common factor in the stats of Culpepper and Brady, because the mental conditioning that NFL fans are supposed to worship is that quarterback stats are independent.

This must be why many NFL fans despise wide receivers that celebrate a touchdown.

I don't assert that Manning and Brady are bad quarterbacks, but simply that their stats have been inflated.

Many players routinely beat the stats of yesteryear, and we're supposed to believe that the "new" record is better than the old record. To me, it's nothing more than an arcade game with a high-scoring player named ASS.

Since 1999, no-name quarterbacks have routinely waltzed onto the team and succeeded, such as Kurt Warner, Tom Brady, and Jake Delhomme.

Even Matt Hasselbeck with his bad back can throw touchdowns in the NFL. Rookie or first-year quarterbacks succeed like never before—Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Philip Rivers, Tony Romo, Carson Palmer, and Matthew Stafford.

Even Matt Cassel has succeeded, who had not started a game since high school.

What I assert is that the pattern of practice squad quarterbacks, rookies, and no names ascending to stardom is the result of the rules to protect the quarterback. Obviously every team can't win, thus not every quarterback can succeed.

Yet, stats of recent have shown that quarterbacks whom pass over 220 yards are winning more than ever, unlike previous years. Thus, I must ask what has changed? Are the quarterbacks on average getting better, are executives getting better at finding personnel, or is this the result of something newly inherent to the game such as rules to protect the QB?

Cassel is just one example. I gave many examples, but I highlight Cassel because I think the fact that he had not started since high school was the final nail in the coffin, and proof in the pudding that a quarterback does not have to be very good in order to succeed in the NFL, just lucky enough to play on a team loaded with hard working players desperately trying to make the team to make him look good.

Some would argue that Cassel's success is an indication of the Patriots system, when I think it's an indication that the NFL is easier for quarterbacks. Thus, I'm not impressed by quarterbacks as "independent" players, when they are dependent on the team.

If high school quarterback skills are transferable to the pro level—that should tell you something about the NFL.

For quarterbacks, the NFL is arbitrarily kept at the same level as the high school game. While other players are expected to be inordinately better than their competition for their position, the quarterback is treated as a fully actualized person who doesn't need to learn, adapt, mature, or continue to improve.

If defenders find an upper hand, the NFL will say, "you can't do that," rather than tell the quarterback to improve.

The NFL wonders why players like Pacman Jones act out in generalized frustration.

It could also be why, on average, black players in the NFL are more athletic than white players. We know that biologically people are roughly the same. There's no biological reason that black athletes are often more athletic than white athletes.

So, the problem could be environmental, cultural, or systematic.

Generally, black players don't get the opportunity to be freeloading quarterbacks. They are expected to work harder to make QBs look good, and let them take all the credit too.

Meanwhile, white quarterbacks, don't have to work as hard to be on the field because the league carves out a position tailor-made to their limited skills.

Paychecks have nothing to do with the stratification in the NFL.

Why?

The NFL rules have made the game easier for the quarterback. Team's defenses are predicated on the notion that "defenseless" quarterbacks should be protected with exclusive rules.

Some defenders claim that quarterbacks should be protected from concussions and even wax emphatic for the "poor babies," who instead, should be subject to the same violence of the game as other players.

In the NFL, defensive players like Pacman Jones get suspended while "defenseless" quarterbacks accused of rape are protected by the NFL and media. Of course, I'm referring to Ben Roethlisberger, whom has an history of concussions and stupid behavior (i.e. the motorcycle accident).

Ironically, the fact that people say quarterbacks like Roethlisberger must be protected because of concussions, should be an argument against Roethlisberger's credibility in the civil suit that charged him with rape, in that, with his mental health, what would he remember?

Is he fully aware of where he is at all times?

If you're a quarterback concerned with concussions—then use your money to hire a specialist for a second opinion.

If you want to play football, you should be prepared to get hurt. If you're afraid to get hurt, don't play. Don't put the pussies on a pedestal (note: for those who are typically offended by that word, I ask that you consider the context and intent).

Like a cult follower, I do think that people truly believe that the quarterback should be above it all; that his stats are independent and earned only by him.

That is why a quarterback like Cassel had $60 million thrown at him by Kansas City for one season in New England, while receivers and running backs get demonized when they demand more money after a productive season (i.e. Brandon Marshall). The quarterback would demand more money, except he doesn't have too.

Remember this: the word "token" can be used to describe a "quarter," and thus in the NFL, the passer is really just the "token" back.

To the quarterbacks that whine, cry, and whimper about the violence of the game: Work harder and be quiet.

You have now been deprogrammed.

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Is Ben Roethlisberger's Clock Ticking? Concussions Could Cut QB's Career Short

Jack Stentwiller — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:33:08 -0500

Ben Roethlisberger is quickly becoming an elite quarterback in the NFL. While his early career success was much more the result of a great team around him, there is no doubt that in 2009, Ben is great and carrying his team.

The good news? Ben is a go this Sunday versus the Ravens. The bad? He was questionable because he suffered his fourth concussion in his brief five-and-a-half year career.

Concussions and quarterbacks are a scary combination. Let's take a look at Troy Aikman as a case study. Ten concussions in 12 seasons cut a Hall of Fame career short. Many of those concussions happened in Aikman's last couple of seasons.

Roethlisberger's first four concussions seem to have been frontloaded. He is only five-and-a-half year's into his career and concussions come much easier the more you have.

With all of the publicity surrounding ex NFL'ers and the long-term effects and damages from head injuries, how many more concussions could Ben take before he starts to seriously consider early retirement?

This would be a sad development because Ben has just started to reach his potential and like Aikman, has a couple of Super Bowls under his belt early.

That being said, it would not be as sad as brain damage later in life because you didn't think beyond the short term of NFL stardom. I have no idea what Ben is thinking, but it almost seems impossible that these types of thoughts have not crept into his head before.

For now, it's Sunday and it's Baltimore. Ben is in and the Steelers are excited.

Both the fans and the organization however, might need to think about life when Big Ben cannot be wound back up;it may be sooner than anyone would have imagined.

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Pittsburgh Steelers Lull AFC Into False Sense of Security

Todd Fleming — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:40:30 -0500

The abomination at Arrowhead was all part of “the plan".

So was the loss to the Bengals the week earlier.

The Steelers have set out to lull the rest of the AFC playoff field into a false sense of security. Any time now, they will spring their trap.

After all, no team can possibly give up four kickoff returns in five weeks, right?

That must have been intentional.

Maybe the special teams were just itching to set a record. Maybe they were feeling unappreciated since everyone was talking about the defense last year. Well, everyone is talking about them now.

A midseason swoon that looked like it was cooked up in the depths of hell worked so well in 2005 that it appears the Steelers have decided to pull a page out of their playbook from that season.

Actually, the loss to the Chiefs was not that surprising. There are a few things to consider before throwing in the towel on the 2009 season.

1. There are no give me games in the NFL.

Every team is loaded with elite talent, even the ones who inspire the most pity. Was it really that big of a shock that the St. Louis Rams, thought just a few weeks ago to be the worst team in the league, almost beat the New Orleans Saints, the top dog of most power rankings?

If a team doesn’t bring its “A” game, it can even lose to the Cleveland Browns.

Consider that if the Detroit Lions matched up against the Florida Gators, they would probably run them right out of the stadium…not that I wouldn’t pay to see a matchup of that kind if for no other reason than to satisfy my curiosity. It would be a heck of a lot more interesting than the Pro Bowl.

2. These Steelers have a painful tendency to play to the level of their competition.

They did the same thing last year, rarely blowing out even their worst opponents. While some Steelers' fans were celebrating what appeared to be a much easier schedule, I was not at all sure that was a good thing for that reason.

A team that is comfortable winning ugly will lose some games. The law of averages says that some years you will win a majority of the close games and some years you will lose most of them. Last year, the Steelers won most of their close games. This year, the coin has flipped.

3. This year’s defense is plenty good.

But, last year’s defense was one of the best in the history of the league. It is easier to win the close games when a defense is nearly impenetrable.

4. Every game features two teams who want to win.

Sometimes, as fans, we forget this. All wins are attributed to the glorious might of our team. All losses are attributed to the glorious incompetence of that same team who we were burying in praise the week before.

Rarely do we ever shrug and say, “Oh well. The other guys played better today.” That was the primary answer as to why the Steelers lost to the Bengals. The Bengals’ coaches were better on that Sunday, and their players were a tad better. That is usually all it takes.

The loss to the Chiefs is one of those rare games that says more about the problems the Steelers’ are struggling through than anything to do with the Chiefs. There is no question which team was more talented. That was fairly obvious. But, the more talented team does not always win.

5. Spotting a team seven free points each game is a huge burden to overcome, especially for a team built to win close games.

That is essentially what these Steelers are doing by allowing a weekly kickoff return for a “torchdown.”

Last year’s kickoff unit was one of the best in the league. Now, they are the worst in the history of the league. That is shocking. It may indeed be time to start kicking the ball out of bounce, or perhaps trying a few onside kicks.

But, for all of that, there is still plenty of reason for optimism in Steelers Nation. The glass is still half full.

Here are five reasons why:

1. There is no dominant team in the AFC ready to run away with this thing come playoff time. So the Colts are 10-0. Big deal. They do not look at all impressive. Each week features their latest escape. Are they a good team? Absolutely. You don’t run off that kind of record if you stink.

Are they scary good? Not even a little bit. They are a consistently good team. In 2005, the Colts looked truly unbeatable and nobody thought they could be had come playoff time. They murdered almost everyone they faced. They looked invincible.

And they were promptly bounced by a Steelers’ team in the divisional round of the play-offs that suffered a similar mid-season run of futility, including being blown out by that Colts' team.

2. The Steelers’ offense truly has the potential to be something special. Mike Wallace, despite a subpar game, has the potential to be a real game breaker. Rashard Mendenhall is developing into an elite runner. And the offensive line has improved dramatically from last year, although the loss of a much improved Chris Kemoeatu will hurt.

For some reason, these guys can’t quite put it together for a full 60 minutes. But, the fact that they have not peaked is encouraging. They would be in a lot more trouble if they had already peaked and were still losing. There is still time for it to come together before the playoffs with six games left.

3. The Steelers are still well positioned for a playoff run. And that counts for something. They are 6-4. I think 10-6 will probably get a team in this year based on the current records. 11-5 will definitely land a team in the playoffs.

The Patriots were sent packing at 11-5 last year, which was a glorious thing, but that is rare. After the Colts and the Patriots, there are no sure things when it comes to the playoffs on the AFC side.

The Chargers and Bengals will probably land there. But, the other two spots are wide open. And this looks like one of those years when a wildcard team can do plenty of damage.

The Steelers were bad this past weekend. That is an undeniable fact. But, so were most of their primary competitors for the last two wildcard spots.

4. Adversity sharpens a team’s desire and prepares a team for the serious tests that await come playoff time. It also conditions a team to be able to handle pressure and respond when the going gets tough.

The Steelers have faced plenty this year. The Colts and the Saints have not faced much, other than a few injuries. That is a tribute to the fact that both are very good teams.

But, I think the best thing that can happen to either of the two remaining undefeateds is to lose, and perhaps even lose badly. Not only will that give them a taste of adversity, but would remove the pressure cooker that builds with each successive win.

It was the adversity that the Steelers faced as a team in 2005 that prepared them for their playoff run. It was the adversity faced by the Giants in 2007 that gave them the confidence to knock off a juggernaut.

The Steelers of 2008 also faced plenty of adversity with a viciously tough schedule and a few humbling losses, including that to the Titans that cost them the top seed in the AFC.

5. The Steelers are indeed built to win ugly. That doesn’t always look so hot during the regular season when other teams are lighting up the scoreboard seemingly at will. But, it becomes a much bigger asset during the playoffs when you need to be able to win close games when the pressure is sky high.

If you ask me which team is more likely to blow out the Detroit Lions, the Steelers or the Coltriots, the Coltriots would win in a landslide. If you ask me which team was more likely to lose to the St. Louis Rams, the Steelers or the Coltriots, the Steelers would win in a landslide. But, if the Steelers meet the Coltriots in the playoffs, I still like the Steelers and I would feel that way even if I wasn’t a fan of the team.

There are plenty of other reasons that go unmentioned here. The biggest is that I will never count out a Ben Roethlisberger-led team once it gets to the playoffs.

The Steelers will also likely have the best defensive player in the league back to his fully disruptive self.

For all that I wrote above, the Steelers desperately need the win this week, although not quite as desperately as the Ravens need it. Will they get that win? I like their chances. And if they do get it, they can easily get right back on the tracks.

Even if they lose, the clock will not have struck midnight just yet.

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Pittsburgh Steelers' Season Reaches Critical Mass

Brian Carson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:53:45 -0500

The 2009 season has reached critical mass for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It's make or break time.

The next few weeks will determine if the Steelers will be legitimate playoff contenders—with hopes of defending their world title—or outside looking in with a severe case of Super Bowl hangover, wondering what went wrong.

Many factors have contributed to the 6-4 record, the low point of the season being Sunday's stunning loss to the Chiefs.

Horrible special teams, injuries, inconsistent play-calling, and an overall lack of focus and intensity late in games have damaged the Steelers' psyche.

Only the Raiders' defeat of the Bengals saved Pittsburgh from being kicked out of the AFC North race.

The locker room is not in harmony. The players are not on the same page. You can see it on their faces. The tension is as thick as pea soup.

Even media-shy James Harrison publicly voiced his concerns.

"I just think we need to start playing team ball, whatever needs to be done for the team," the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year said after the game. "I don't think we have done that yet. We just have to play better as a whole team."

Just when the Steelers thought it couldn't get any worse...it did.

Backup QB Charlie Batch, who came in when Ben Roethlisberger was kneed in the head in overtime against Kansas City, broke his wrist and is lost for the remainder of the season. He'll have surgery today or tomorrow.

The loss is a huge one for Pittsburgh. Batch is an experienced veteran who knows the offense inside out. He was the insurance policy Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had in case Big Ben went down.

Even though Roethlisberger appears to have recovered quickly from his concussion-like symptoms and is expected to play against Baltimore on Sunday, the Steelers should be concerned.

Big Ben has been sacked three or more times in eight straight games. No matter how big or mobile he is, you can only withstand so much punishment before the body gives out.

Couple that with the loss of guard Chris Kemoeatu to an MCL sprain and the situation looks even more grim. Kemoeatu was playing the best football of his career and was probably the most consistent lineman on the team. Rookie Ramon Foster, a converted tackle, will take his place in the starting lineup.

The Steelers can't win without Roethlisberger at quarterback and Batch as his backup. That's the reality of the situation.

Tomlin and his staff must find a way to keep Big Ben from being punished on a regular basis if they want to see the playoffs this season. If he gets dinged in the head again or worse, kiss Pittsburgh goodbye.

Who do they have behind him if he goes down?

Dennis Dixon has moved up to the No. 2 spot in place of Batch.

Dixon is a tremendous athlete, but he was a spread-option quarterback from high school on through his college days at Oregon. He never took a snap from under center until he got to the NFL.

The Steelers do run a lot of shotgun, but Dixon, even after two years, has not grasped the complicated system offensive coordinator Bruce Arians runs. Now he's one heartbeat away from being the starting quarterback. Not so comforting for Tomlin and company to think about.

The front office is going to sign Tyler Palko, the former Pitt QB who was with Arizona during preseason, and make him the No. 3. Palko won't be able to come in and pick up this offense in just six weeks. That's asking too much.

The rumor mill is churning that the Steelers will try to sign Jeff Garcia for a worst-case scenario.

Would his signing make a huge difference?

Not much.

Garcia is a capable veteran, but he is a product of the West Coast system. Just like leopards can't change their spots, it's very hard to ask a quarterback to learn a new system when he's run something else for a decade or more.

Look at Brett Favre with the Jets last year as an example. Favre struggled to learn a new offensive system, and New York faltered.

Fast forward to 2009.

Favre goes to Minnesota, where coach Brad Childress runs the same type of West Coast scheme Brett did in Green Bay for 16 years. The results: Favre is playing like he did at 30, and the Vikings are 9-1 atop the NFC North.

Garcia has never played in the type of scheme Arians runs. If he came to Pittsburgh, the offense would have to be reduced to something beyond vanilla. He's also pushing 40, and the mobility he once had is gone. Not good news with the amount of sacks this line gives up.

The Steelers are riding a seesaw, teetering between prosperity and disaster.

If they can tighten up the secondary minus Troy Polamalu, protect Roethlisberger better, improve the special team's play, and regain their focus and chemistry, success is assured.

If they fail to shore up those weaknesses in the final six games, a long, cold winter awaits the Steeler Nation.

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Daily Haze: Kurt Warner, Ben Roethlisberger on the Mend

Michael McNeil — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:33:53 -0500

At least Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger did not leave their fantasy owners hanging in week 11.

Both players hung fat numbers on the live scoreboards across fantasy leagues on Sunday before exiting with head injuries . Warner left late in the first half against St. Louis, giving way to Matt Leinart. Roethlisberger, meanwhile, played into the first series of overtime but was replaced by Charlie Batch after taking a knee to the head.

As for the status of these players this weekend?

If you ask Warner or Roethlisberger, both quarterbacks would tell fantasy owners that all systems are go as of today. Warner claims to have no effects of a concussion following getting smashed to the turf in St. Louis. He added that he does not think he suffered a concussion nor has he had one in the last six years. Warner expects to play this weekend.

Meanwhile, sources close to the Steelers claim that Roethlisberger is fine and should suit up to play this weekend. Complicating matters for the Steelers is the fact that Batch, Roethlisberger's backup, will miss at least six weeks due to a wrist injury.

Neither player has to suit up this Thursday so fantasy owners have some time to see how these guys progress throughout the practice week. Keep close watch, fantasy owners.

Here are today's great reads:

If your trade deadline is this week and you need some advice, thumb through some of the trade advice offered here last week . There may be another trade-related post or two before the end of this week as well. [The Hazean]

Some fantasy-related notes from all of the week 11 action around the NFL, including the whole Pierre Thomas-Mike Bell situation. [Roto Arcade]

Maybe Kevin Boss will become the Giants' go-to target near the goal line. He certainly is worth an add in fantasy leagues this week. [Pancake Blocks]

This year's Fantasy-Hit-List-5223.html" target="_blank">rookie class is starting to heat up at the right time of the season for fantasy football owners. Took long enough. [National Football Post]

Backups around the league cashed in big time in week 11, amplifying the need for fantasy owners to shore up their own team's depth. [CBSSports.com]

Buy something from the Fantasy Football Librarian , help the American Cancer Society. Does not get any better than that this holiday season. [Fantasy Football Librarian]

Game-by-game fantasy football revelations from all the week 11 action for those of you interested in that sort of thing. Which, I assume, is all of you being that you are here. [Fantasy Clicks]

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter . If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean's Facebook page . Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean's Google Reader Shared Items page.

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Season Riddled With Injuries

TJ Jenkins — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:10:37 -0500

As if losing one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the NFL wasn't enough, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost All Pro Safety Troy Polamalu for at least a month. But we all knew that.

The newest Steelers injuries are to both starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his backup, Charlie Batch.

Roethlisberger was drilled and knocked out of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs during overtime. In other words, at pretty much the worst possible time for one of the sure fire 'Kings Of Clutch' to go down. The Steelers would go on to lose the game 27-24 after a long Matt Cassel pass set up the game winning field goal.

But losing Roethlisberger wasn't enough, oh not even close. Second string quarterback Batch went down as well, breaking his wrist.

Well, let's take a look at the Steelers 53 man roster, scroll to the 'QB' slot and see what we've got.

Ben Roethlisberger - Injured, concussion.

Charlie Batch - Injured, broken wrist.

Dennis Dixon - Healthy, pre-season experience.

In other words, the Steelers front office is on the phone with multiple quarterbacks. Including former Baltimore Raven Cleo Lemon. But also former Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia.

Just the fact that the team is even contacting quarterbacks leads me to believe that Ben Roethlisberger is hurt. And hurt bad.

Not to say the man isn't tough enough to take a shot to the head and come back, after all he nearly died following a serious motorcycle accident prior to the 2006 season.

But when it comes to concussions, one has to draw a fine line, especially with all of these reports floating around with troubles for past NFL players due to concussions.

Jeff Garcia wouldn't be a bad choice, in fact he should very well still be on the Philadelphia Eagles' roster had they not decided to try to ride the Michael Vick Train to the playoffs.

In 2007 and 2008, he threw 25 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He's definitely not going to lose the game for your team, and will more than likely win a few due to his experience and intelligence.

He's not the mobile passer that we once saw, but that doesn't take away from his mechanics.

He'll be working out for the team today (Tuesday, November 24th)

Let's review.

The Pittsburgh Steelers sans Polamalu, Smith and Roethlisberger are not a playoff, much less a championship caliber team.

Prior to the season if you'd of asked me to name three indispensable players on the team, those are the three names you would have heard come out of my mouth.

We desperately need Roethlisberger to play against the Ravens, he's an absolute bird hunter. The black and purple can't stop him when he's outside of the pocket, take a look at last year's AFC Championship Game for proof of that fact.

I do however, refuse to risk his career and his future health for my own selfish whims of beating the Ravens and attempting to make the playoffs. Some things are more important than football; Ben Roethlisberger's health is one of those.

The man's a competitor, a warrior. He'll want to play. But if there's ANY doubt that he won't be the same Big Ben, then I don't think Head Coach Mike Tomlin has a choice but to sit him on Sunday Night.

I'll leave you with one question...Aaron Smith, Troy Polamalu, Charlie Batch and Ben Roethlisberger are all hurt...who's next?

As always, TJ Jenkins' work can be found at both the Pittsburgh Pigskin Blog and at Sports Jabber .

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Power Rankings: Week 12

Jordan Schwartz — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:54:54 -0500

1. (1) Indianapolis Colts (10-0)

The oddsmakers had the undefeated Colts underdogs at Baltimore, expecting a letdown after that incredible comeback win over the Pats. Peyton Manning, however, is never an underdog.

2. (2) New Orleans Saints (10-0)

For the fifth straight contest, New Orleans was not ahead after one quarter of play. The Saints certainly played a lot better over the final 45 minutes, but they can't afford to get off to a slow start next Monday Night against New England.

3. (4) Minnesota Vikings (9-1)

I'm not happy about it, but Brett Favre has to be near the top of the list of NFL MVP candidates right now. He leads the league in QB rating (112.1) and has thrown the least amount of interceptions among full-time starters (three). I'd still go with Manning right now, though.

4. (5) New England Patriots (7-3)

Les Miles' coaching at the end of the LSU/Mississippi game was far worse than anything Bill Belichick did against Indy in Week 10.

5. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (7-3)

The Bengals allowed 10 points in the final minute to drop to 0-10 at Oakland.

6. (8) Arizona Cardinals (7-3)

Tim Hightower's 110 yards on the ground were the most by a Cardinals running back since Edgerrin James rushed for 114 on Dec. 2, 2007.

7. (9) Green Bay Packers (6-4)

The Packers defense once again did just enough to win. Green Bay is now 6-0 when it holds its opponents under 30 points.

8. (10) Dallas Cowboys (7-3)

The Cowboys have scored a grand total of two touchdowns over the past two weeks, and yet here they are at 7-3.

9. (7) Baltimore Ravens (5-5)

The Ravens would be doing very well in the BCS. Their five losses are to teams that are a combined 33-7.

10. (6) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)

The Steelers' stunning loss at Kansas City not only knocked me out of my eliminator pool, but it also leaves Pittsburgh with the possibility of starting a third string quarterback in a very important game at Baltimore this Sunday.

11. (12) San Diego Chargers (7-3)

The Chargers have scored in 11 straight quarters.

12. (11) Denver Broncos (6-4)

The Broncos are averaging just 9.25 points a game over their current four-game losing streak.

13. (13) Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)

The Eagles are 3-1 when LeSean McCoy leads the team in rushing.

14. (14) New York Giants (6-4)

All of those people who say NFL overtime rules are unfair because the team who wins the coin toss automatically wins the game must have missed that Pittsburgh-KC contest.

15. (15) Atlanta Falcons (5-5)

Atlanta has now lost six of its last seven on the road. The Falcons will be happy to hear that their next three are at home.

16. (16) Miami Dolphins (5-5)

Even with Ronnie Brown lost for the season, the Dolphins got a big victory at Carolina on Thursday (thanks to three touchdowns by Ricky Williams), and now have an extra three days to prepare for a very winnable game at Buffalo.

17. (17) Chicago Bears (4-6)

The Bears have lost five of six and have the unenviable task of traveling to Minnesota on Sunday.

18. (18) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4)

Don't look now, but the Jags have won three straight and have three more winnable games coming up.

19. (19) New York Jets (4-6)

The Jets are 1-5 since Braylon Edwards showed up.

20. (22) Tennessee Titans (4-6)

Chris Johnson is averaging 161.5 yards per game during the Titans' four consecutive victories.

21. (21) Carolina Panthers (4-6)

The Panthers are 2-5 when Jake Delhomme throws a pick.

22. (20) Houston Texans (5-5)

Kris Brown's 71.4% field goal percentage ranks him 26th out of 30 qualifying kickers.

23. (23) San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

The Niners are 1-4 since Michael Crabtree joined the squad.

24. (26) Kansas City Chiefs (3-7)

The Chiefs got a gift when the Steelers decided to call a pitch play on third and two at the KC 35 in overtime. Instead of putting itself in position to attempt a game-winning field goal, Pittsburgh was forced to punt and Kansas City quickly marched down the field and scored.

25. (28) Oakland Raiders (3-7)

Why did it take this long to start Bruce Gradkowski?

26. (24) Buffalo Bills (3-7)

The Bills would win a lot more games if Terrell Owens was more involved. Oh wait, he had 197 yards and they still lost.

27. (25) Seattle Seahawks (3-7)

The Seahawks have lost six in a row on the road.

28. (27) Washington Redskins (3-7)

The 'Skins are another member of the Can't Win on the Road Club. They've lost eight consecutive away from home.

29. (29) Tampa Bay Bucs (1-9)

You can't beat the Saints when you turn the ball over four times.

30. (30) St. Louis Rams (1-9)

The Rams have lost 10 straight home games.

31. (32) Detroit Lions (2-8)

Not only did Matthew Stafford throw for 422 yards and five scores, but one of them came with a separated shoulder and no time left on the clock.

32. (31) Cleveland Browns (1-9)

Brady Quinn had the best game of his short career, throwing for 304 yards and four touchdowns, and yet the Browns still lost.

Follow me on Twitter at JordanHarrison .

Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report's New York Yankees Community Leader. His book "Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man" is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com.

Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Fantasy Football Injury Update: The Opportunity Maker/Taker

kevin roberts — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:03:18 -0500

This article takes a close look at the effect of injuries on the players that sustain them, as well as the supporting cast around them.

Take a look at the key injuries affecting several teams for Week 12 :

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams

Bulger has sustained his second injury of the season, but this it's time one that will keep him out for up to a month and possibly the entire season .

Bulger has a broken tibia, and, considering his timetable is a very friendly three to six weeks, he's likely to go on IR.

The Good:

This means the Rams will likely pound the rock even more with Steven Jackson, and it also means that rookie Keith Null (QB) could get a crack at proving himself if Kyle Boller struggles (he will).

The Bad:

The increased role for Jackson will be welcomed by all fantasy owners, but we can't say the same for the increased focus defense will have on stopping S-Jax. Without a competent quarterback (not that Bulger was amazing) keeping the offense balanced, there is the real possibility that Jackson struggles down the stretch.

The Rams receivers who have very minimal value as is—Donnie Avery, Brandon Gibson, and Danny Amendola—will almost certainly see their production take a hit.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

There's nothing official, but reports are already coming out of Detroit that Stafford will not be able to make Thursday's Thanksgiving match against the Green Bay Packers.

The rookie quarterback has a minor injury to his non-throwing shoulder, but he is in enough pain to possibly keep him out of Week 12's action.

The Good:

Daunte Culpepper makes his third start of the year, and, judging by his awful results, that is almost solely good for his ego and nothing else.

However, Calvin Johnson is back in top form (but also dealing with injuries ), and, with the Packers losing both OLD Aaron Kampman and star CB Al Harris for the season, the Green Bay defense won't be at full force. Culpepper is a sketchy play regardless, but Megatron still carries loads of potential in this matchup.

The Bad:

The Packers already do a solid job of stopping the run, and, even without Kampman and Harris, will likely be able to key-in on Kevin Smith and co. with Culpepper struggling.

Culpepper knows the Packers and he could shine with Green Bay's secondary banged-up, but we wouldn't bet on it, especially with him preparing in a short week.

Ladell Betts/Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

Betts is out for the season with torn knee ligaments, and Portis has already been ruled out for the third straight week.

This leaves Rock Cartwright and whomever (if anyone) the Redskins decide to pick-up off the street. Where's that Larry Johnson when you need him?

The Good:

Cartwright becomes an actual decent flex play and borderline RB2 for the first time in his career, while Jason Campbell and Santana Moss will likely be leaned on even more than usual with a lack of experience and depth in their running game.

The Bad:

If Washington can't find the right balance on offense, they'll inevitably be lost and ineffective against a solid Philadelphia Eagles defense. The Eagles would be the favorites, even if the Redskins had Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley healthy. It could be ugly.

Fabian Washington, CB, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens second cornerback sustained an ACL injury and is lost for the remainder of the 2009 season, killing the already weak depth Baltimore's secondary had.

Add his name to the list, along with Terrell Suggs from last week, and this Ravens' defense (and team) is officially falling apart .

The Good:

The only good thing about this is that the Ravens have a solid rookie prospect in Lardarius Webb, but even his promise and stellar play in spot duty will likely be cancelled out by the depth hit this gives the secondary.

The Bad:

For Baltimore, this probably means even worse pass defense, which in turn won't do their run defense any favors. This means great things for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive players in Week 12, and if Ben Roethlisberger is fully healthy (he's expected to be), you can expect something to the tune of his 380+ yards last week.

For more breaking news, injury updates, and fantasy advice, go here .

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

With Roethlisberger and Batch Injured, What Is Next for Steelers?

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:19:47 -0500

One game back of the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the weakest part of their schedule. With the exception of playing the Baltimore Ravens twice, the only potential playoff team the Steelers play against is the Miami Dolphins.

The only position on the Steelers that looked the most set on Sunday morning was the quarterback. Not anymore.

In the beginning of overtime, Ben Roethlisberger took a knee to his head and the injury, as Mike Tomlin says, is concussion-related. Charlie Batch stepped in, and his first pass was a 19-yard strike to Santonio Holmes for a first down.

The reason the Steelers brought back Charlie Batch was for situations such as this. To come in for a drive, or a game or two while Ben Roethlisberger was injured. Now, Batch is injured as well.

Details are sketchy at this point, but Batch has an injury to his wrist, which will require surgery, and keep him out of action for up to six weeks.

In the 2007 draft, the Steelers selected Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon in the fifth round of the NFL draft. Dixon was believed to have first-round potential, but due to a torn ACL during his senior season, Dixon fell to the fifth round. Dixon was drafted to eventually backup Ben Roethlisberger.

With the injury to Roethlisberger and Batch out of commission, Dixon is next in line to be under center for the Steelers, but is he ready?

Dixon spent his rookie season rehabilitating his ACL, and even though he was not going to get much playing time, the Steelers kept him on the team roster because they knew if they were to put him on the practice squad, another team would sign him away.

Dixon was kept off of the IR because they wanted him to be able to continue practicing with the team. Dixon did just that.

Through the offseason, Dixon stayed in Pittsburgh working with Limas Sweed on his timing and learning the playbook. He has made a commitment to become the player teams thought would be available in the draft, prior to injury.

Dixon has waited patiently on the sidelines, carrying his helmet and clipboard, waiting for his chance to play. He may be getting his chance.

Sunday night, the Steelers will travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens. The Ravens are known as a blitzing team that loves to apply pressure to the quarterback. Even without Terrell Suggs, they are going to be sending people at who ever is under center.

Roethlisberger is known for keeping plays alive, scrambling when necessary, and making plays on the run. Dixon does not have the experience of Roethlisberger, but he can run considerably better than him.

In the preseason, it was obvious that Dixon was trying to stay in the pocket and show the Steelers that he was not going to be a run-first quarterback. As the preseason wore on, Dixon started to show his running abilities when plays broke down.

Two games behind the division leaders, the Steelers are entering their first "must-win" game. If the Steelers cannot defeat the Ravens, they will fall three games back (if the Bengals win) of Cincinnati, and lose their grip on the inside track to the wild-card playoff position.

If Roethlisberger does play, and gets further injured, then the Steelers' season could be over. Dixon may be called upon to play against the Ravens, and the Steelers future could rest upon Dennis Dixon.

This is Dixon's chance to prove that the Steelers made the right decision drafting him in the fifth round, and the other 31 teams made a mistake in not taking the chance on him.

Either way, we are going to find out how good of a job the Steelers' scouts did in evaluating Dixon, and if the Steelers found the steal of the draft.

Update: profootballtalk.com is now reporting that the Steelers have contacted the agents for Cleo Lemon and Jeff Garcia, who will both be in Pittsburgh for work outs on Tuesday.

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

Charlie Batch Out Six Weeks, Dennis Dixon Next in Line

Nick Signorelli — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:46:25 -0500

When Ben Roethlisberger was injured in overtime of the loss to Kansas City, the announcer stated that Charlie Batch was one of the best backups in the NFL.

Not anymore.

According to ESPN and profootballtalk.com , Batch suffered a wrist injury, which will require surgery. Batch will be out for four to six weeks.

Head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the injury to Roethlisberger is "concussion related." Even though Roethlisberger said after the game he would "be fine," the Steelers' depth at the position has taken a serious setback.

If Roethlisberger is unable to play against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night, that would put the ball in the hands of second-year pro Dennis Dixon.

In his senior season at Oregon, Dixon was leading the Ducks to an undefeated season and was one of the leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy. However, with two games left in the season, Dixon suffered a torn ACL, ending his year.

At the time, he was believed to have first round potential but fell to the Steelers in the fifth round. Dixon has worked hard to keep his roster spot and may finally get a chance to show what he can do in a real football game.

The one thing that Dixon brings to the table that Roethlisberger and Batch don't is amazing speed. He has speed similar to that of the young Mike Vick, though he does not have the arm strength.

Either way, Dixon may be getting his first start of the year, and he may be doing so against a Baltimore Ravens team that will be fighting for their playoff lives.

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

Monday Morning Rehab: More Concussions in Week 11

Michael McNeil — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:46:02 -0500

If Week 10 was the week of running back lower-leg injuries , quarterbacks and head injuries was the theme of the week 11 injury slate.

Two high-profile QBs left their respective games yesterday — at crucial moments nonetheless — and could be in jeopardy going forward. With all the attention that has been given to head injuries of late, even a minor concussion could keep these players off the field in week 12 and beyond.

Updates on these quarterbacks and more in this week’s MMR below.

But first, this week’s fantasy lagniappe:

*To many the game may have been a joke, but Browns-Lions yesterday was full of fantasy goodness. I am going to pat myself on the back for predicting a few big things from this game last week. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns after a slow start and tight end Brandon Pettigrew caught the game winner.

Phil Dawson registered double digits in the kicking department. However, the Lions’ defense gave up a ton of points, mostly via Brady Quinn’s arm (four touchdown passes).

*If you traded for Greg Jennings last week in preparation for the fantasy playoffs, congrats. He made a few big plays yesterday reminiscent of the Jennings we all loved last season and this past summer in fantasy rankings . The schedule remains relatively favorable for Jennings and the Packers.

*Last week’s waiver wire adds came up big in Week 11, most of whom were filling in for injured fantasy starts. Jason Snelling scored twice in Michael Turner’s stead. Justin Forsett had trouble on the ground but made up for it with a short rushing touchdown and 80 yards receiving. And Bernard Scott topped 100 yards in the Bengals loss to the Raiders.

Ben Roethlisberger [QB, Steelers]

From ProFootballTalk :

On the first drive of overtime against the Chiefs, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a knee to the head while running with the ball after the pocket broke down.

It was the worst possible time for the Steelers to lose Big Ben. After he left, Charlie Batch came in and was unable to drive Pittsburgh far enough into Kansas City territory for the chance at a game-winning field goal.

So Pittsburgh punted, and the rest is history as Matt Cassel and Chris Chambers led the Chiefs to victory.

Roethlisberger’s owners should be concerned about the seriousness of the injury to Big Ben. With all the attention concussions have been getting lately in the NFL, there is a growing chance he could miss some time. Keep a close watch for comments out of Pittsburgh early this week regarding Roethlisberger’s status.

Brandon Jacobs [RB, Giants]

From RotoWorld :

Brandon Jacobs said after Sunday’s win that his knee injury is not an issue, and he could have gone back in the game if necessary.

Jacobs got dinged up in yesterday’s win against Atlanta but was able to punch in a touchdown before leaving the game. His fantasy owners at least had that before he retreated to the sidelines for the rest of the affair.

The Giants play on Thursday night this week, so the Giants will have to issue an injury report sometime later today. See how Jacobs’ status is listed and prepare for the use of a replacement if necessary. If he cannot practice by Wednesday, Jacobs would be a risky play against Denver.

Ladell Betts [RB, Redskins]

From ProFootballTalk :

Betts left the game with an injury to his left knee on the team’s second possession, and coach Jim Zorn told reporters after the game that the running back tore his MCL.

So much for using Betts any longer during Clinton Portis’ absence.

Betts is done for fantasy purposes this year and is a safe drop. Fantasy owners could add Redskins’ third-string running back Rock Cartwright off the waiver wire this week if there are no other options. He played well in Betts’ absence yesterday.

Clinton Portis [RB, Redskins]

From RotoWorld :

The Redskins have already ruled out Clinton Portis (concussion) for Week 12, coach Jim Zorn revealed Sunday.

No Portis and no Betts next week will mean more Rock Cartwright, as mentioned above. He is the appropriate add for fantasy owners this week.

Meanwhile, the Redskins have given no timetable for Portis’ return year. Chances are good that Washington will bring in a free agent running back or two this week to fill out the roster behind Cartwright.

Marshawn Lynch [RB, Bills]

From ProFootballTalk :

Marshawn Lynch was carted off the field Sunday after injuring his shoulder in the second quarter.

Lynch apparently was upbeat after the game, which could be a good sign for his status going forward.

If he is unable to get back on the practice field this week, however, Fred Jackson becomes an interesting commodity once again. He already has proven to be an effective fantasy player with Lynch out of the lineup and could make for a good spot start next weekend for a desperate fantasy owner.

Kurt Warner [QB, Cardinals]

From ProFootballTalk :

With Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner suffering from a possible concussion, Matt Leinart has entered the fray in St. Louis.

The momentum in this game tangibly changed after Warner left. The Rams continued to pound the ball with Steven Jackson and the defense started to gain some confidence against the Leinart-led Cardinals’ offense, but it was too little too late for St. Louis.

While Leinart was effective from an accuracy standpoint, he appeared to hesitate on a few of his passes which allowed St. Louis a few opportunities down the stretch. Fantasy owners need to hope Warner’s head injury is not as serious as a concussion so that he can return to the lineup next weekend.

Matthew Stafford [QB, Lions]

From RotoWorld :

X-rays came back negative on Matthew Stafford’s left shoulder following Sunday’s 38-37 win over Cleveland.

Stafford showed a lot of heart and guts in leading the Lions back to win against Cleveland yesterday, coming back into the game to throw the game-winning touchdown after getting knocked out one play prior.

His status for Thursday is unknown right now but the Lions will have to issue an injury report later today. He could be listed as questionable as he appeared to be in a ton of pain during and after the game.

Reggie Bush [RB, Saints]

From ProFootballTalk :

Saints running back Reggie Bush was initially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers, but he has been ruled out and will not play.

Bush was not active yesterday and watched as Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell ran through the Buccaneers defense yesterday in Tampa Bay. He is expected to return for next Monday’s home game against New England, and he typically fares well on Monday Night Football.

However, Bush will not be safe to use in fantasy leagues if he does not get in a full practice by the end of this week.

Justin Gage [WR, Titans]

From ProFootballTalk :

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Gage has been ruled out for Monday night’s game against the Houston Texans with a back injury.

Gage has multiple fractures in his back, which is bad—but not as bad as it sounds. The injury, which Gage suffered two weeks ago, typically heals within a couple of weeks, so Gage might be back on the field next week.

Gage is out tonight, which means Kenny Britt could be in for a few more targets once again. The rookie has been impressive at times this season, especially when filling in for the injured Gage.

It is hard to trust any Titans’ receivers, however, with Vince Young at quarterback. He does not appear to favor any at this point and could be a little inconsistent in the passing game going forward.

Brian Westbrook [RB, Eagles]

From ProFootballTalk :

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is expected to miss at least three weeks following his latest concussion, coach Andy Reid said today.

The Eagles are taking the cautious approach with Westbrook now that he has suffered his second concussion of the season. Seems like the right thing to do.

But they are reluctant to end his season just yet, which means he could return for the fantasy playoffs. If he gets a clean bill of health by then, it will be interesting to see if the Eagles do throw him back into the fire and if fantasy owners do the same.

The MMR will continue to run every Monday morning as scheduled during the regular season. If you have an injury update or want an update on a certain player, please leave a note in the comments.

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

Steelers Overrated?: Tough Loss in Kansas City Has Some Wondering

Chris Staaf — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:21:06 -0500

The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers have been marked by inconsistency, injuries, and just plain bad kickoff coverage.

They have been finding different ways to lose this year, including games which they held leads in the second half. Today the Steelers made the Kansas City Chiefs' season when they blew a 10 point lead and lost 27-24 in overtime.

It is time to reevaluate what this year's Steelers are. They are a careless team that has yet to play a full game from start to finish. To get to the point, these Steelers might be overrated and might have trouble even making the playoffs in a very tough AFC. Here are some reasons.

Giveaways and Takeaways

The Steelers have now turned the ball over at least once in every game this season. Today in Kansas City, they turned the ball over three times and the Chiefs scored 10 points off those turnovers.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a back breaking interception to Andy Studebaker in the end zone, which the KC linebacker returned all the way to the Steeler eight yard line. KC scored a tying field goal off that interception to bring the score to 17-17. If the Steelers had scored a touchdown on that drive, the game most likely would have been over given how well the defense was playing at the time.

Roethlisberger is the most unconventional QB in the league, often hanging onto the ball a bit longer to find the big play downfield. He found Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, and Rashard Mendenhall after escaping one potential sack after another. However, he did throw an interception that helped to tie the game and swing the momentum to the Chiefs' side.

You must take the good (three TD passes, nearly 400 yards of passing) with the bad (two INTs). It is what it is, and Roethlisberger will take some chances. Let's just hope that the turnovers are kept to a minimal for the next six games.

Speaking of turnovers, the Steelers have had trouble taking the ball away while on defense, especially when Troy Polamalu is not in the game. Today the Steelers got a fumble recovery but it was not enough. With Polamalu likely to miss three more games, it will be rough sledding for the Steelers, even against the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns in early December.

Finding Ways To Lose

These Steelers are finding new ways to lose this season. Against the Chicago Bears, it was two missed field goals by the usually reliable Jeff Reed. Against Cincinnati the first time, it was not finishing the game when the team had an 11 point lead in the fourth quarter. Against the Bengals the second time, it was lack of execution on offense and questionable offensive play calling, not to mention a kick return by Bernard Scott.

Today, it was the defense allowing two deep passes to somebody named Lance Long and former Dolphin star Chris Chambers that led to the tying touchdown. In overtime, the Steelers allowed Chambers to get loose and finish them off with a game winning 61-yard catch and run that took the Chiefs inside the Steeler five yard line, essentially winning the game. If the Steelers have any visions of defending the Super Bowl title, this must stop now.

In the recent season's past, the Steelers would find ways to win, and a double digit lead by the Steelers at ANY POINT in the game would mean a Steelers win. Not this season. This season, even a 28-0 lead does not seem safe (see the San Diego game).

Kickoff Coverage

It has been a problem all season. Joshua Cribbs has gone to a Pro Bowl mostly due to his performances against the Steeler special teams, and this season has been no different. Percy Harvin, Bernard Scott, and now Jamaal Charles have all also taken Steeler kickoffs for touchdowns. Last season, the kick coverage was one of the best things about the team, allowing no touchdowns and just 19.1 yards per return. This year, it does not even qualify as a glaring weakness. It is a disaster.

Coach Mike Tomlin tried to make a statement when he waived Arnold Harrison last week and signed Donovan Woods. It did not work this week as Charles took the opening kick for a touchdown. The question for me is, why was Anthony Madison, who along with Patrick Bailey and Andre Frazier made up one of the best kick coverage units last season, let go for ordinary kickoff man Stefan Logan?

I am not saying that that one man makes an entire unit, but one thing that can be said about Madison is that he is a sure tackler, which the Steelers special teams is missing right now. I only hope that the special teams shapes up fast soon before it costs the Steelers another game.

I could go on about the play calling and execution on offense for days, so I will not do it now. All I can say about Bruce Arians is, why a toss sweep to Mewelde Moore on 3rd-and-2 when the run up the middle with Mendenhall has been successful for most of the game? While Mendenhall got more carries today than he did against Cincinnati, it is still not enough. The play calling was better today than last week, but it still needs improvement.

Ben Roethlisberger also took a knee in the head in that overtime, which caused him to leave the game with an apparent concussion. Let's all hope that he does not try to return too quickly for his own sake like he did in 2006. The offense can be good with Charlie Batch for a few games if need be, so there should not be any pressure on Roethlisberger to hurry back.

Next week's game in Baltimore will be gut check time. Both teams will be desperate to stay alive in the AFC playoff hunt. Despite its meltdown in the fourth quarter and overtime, the Steeler defense has given up just 11 touchdowns this season. The special teams and offense have given up eight. Are the Steelers overrated or are they just going through a rough patch of the season? There will be no better test than Baltimore next week.

Next game: November 29 in Baltimore @ 8:20 pm Eastern

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

Steelers Report Card/Week 11: Champs to Chumps in A Few Short Months

Paul Ladewski — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:46:24 -0500

Here’s my take on the Steelers’ 27-24 overtime defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs (the Kansas City friggin' Chiefs?!) on Sunday afternoon:

1. My analysis rubbed a few people wrong last week, but be honest here, did the defending champs do anything to prove me wrong? Nope.

Ever since Week Two, when they somehow lost to an inferior Chicago Bears team, the Steelers have had the look of underachievers this season. You mean they can’t beat a crummy 2-and-7 team that hadn’t won a home game in more than one year? Based on talent and experience, this one should have been over before the Fat Lady started to loosen her vocal cords.

Look, no team wins every game, but it should be prepared and focused and play to its potential. From penalties to dropped passes, blown assignments to missed tackles, it’s crystal clear that the Steelers are content to be one-year wonders, not repeat champions.

2. So head coach Mike Tomlin axed linebacker Arnold Harrison to send a message to the special teams, huh? Well, it sunk in for about 16 seconds—or the time it took rookie Jamaal Charles to run 97 big ones on the first kickoff. C’mon, how pathetic is that?

Get this: The guy who replaced Harrison (rookie linebacker Donovan Woods) was guilty of a penalty that cost his team 33 yards on a punt return.

What I want to know is, what has to happen for a coach to get fired? Not that I would ever name names, special teams coach Bob Ligashesky.

3. One more time: Boot the ball out of bounds on kickoffs already.

If the Steelers had done so the last two weeks, they would have gained 19 yards in field position and 13 points on the scoreboard. Plus, the risk of injury would have been taken out of the equation.

I know, it’s the sissy way out. So what? As Herman Edwards would say, "Helloooo, you play to win the game."

4. Why, oh, why didn’t the replay officials take a look at the pass that Ike Taylor may or may not have intercepted in overtime?

Taylor had control of the ball after he hit the ground and didn’t lose control until after he rolled over with it in his hands. The sequence was too iffy, too critical to be ignored completely.

5. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went down with another head injury, this one in overtime, and you have to wonder how many more of those he can take in his career.

More good news: The next game is against a desperate Baltimore Ravens team that is bent on payback for last season.

6. This is all you need to know about the Bruce Arians, offensive genius: On third-and-2, one first down short of field-goal range, he calls on fullback Mewelde Moore to run a pitch sweep to the right side.

Of course. Why would you want Willie Parker or Rashard Mendenhall to run wide when you can have the slowest back available do it, right?

7. The defense doesn’t get off the hook either.

After the Steelers took a 24-17 lead midway through the fourth period, the Chiefs drove 91 yards in eight plays. Heck, they made it look so easy, I thought Len Dawson had made a comeback or something.

On the Chris Chambers 61-yard reception in overtime, several players said they didn't receive the play call from the sidelines until it was too late, but Tomlin steadfastly denied it later.

Never mind the same page. This team doesn't read from the same book.

8. The offense totaled 515 yards, but that doesn't include 68 yards lost in interception returns. Or yards 55 yards lost in penalties. Or 14 yards lost in sacks.

The Steelers sure beat the heck out of the Steelers, I'd say.

9. Now that the season is kaput, it’s not too early to discuss the 2010 draft.

The early want list: defensive tackle, guard, offensive tackle, cornerback and placekicker.

10. Hey, look, the Ravens took the opening kickoff to the house already! (Borrowed from last week.)

The Grades

Offense regulars

WR Hines Ward: B

Weekly grades: B/B/C/B/A/A/D/A/C/B

Season average: B

LT Max Starks: D

Weekly grades: B/F/C/B/C/C/C/A/C/D

Season average: C

LG Chris Komoeatu: B

Weekly grades: D/C/B/A/B/B/B/C/D/B

Season average: C+

C Justin Hartwig: C

Weekly grades: F/C/B/A/B/B/B/A/D/C

Season average: C+

RG Trai Essex: C

Weekly grades: C/B/C/B/D/D/C/C/F/C

Season average: C

RT Willie Colon: D

Weekly grades: D/B/C/A/C/C/A/A/F/D

Season average: C+

TE Heath Miller: D

Weekly grades: A/B/B/A/A/A/A/C/C/D

Season average: B

WR Santonio Holmes: C

Weekly grades: A/D/F/C/B/A/C/A/B/C

Season average: C+

WR Mike Wallace: D

Weekly grades: B/C/A/B/B/B/A/A/D/D

Season average: B

QB Ben Roethlisberger: A

Weekly grades: A/B/A/A/B/B/B/B/D/A

Season average: B

RB Rashard Mendenhall: A

Weekly grades: C/B/INC/A/A/D/D/A/C/A

Season average: C+

RB Mewelde Moore: C

Weekly grades: B/C/C/A/B/B/B/B/B/C

Season average: B

RB Willie Parker: B

Weekly grades: D/C/B/DNP/DNP/D/INC/INC/INC/B

Season average: C

Defense regulars

LE Travis Kirschke: DNP

Weekly grades: C/B/C/C/B/B/B/DNP/DNP/DNP

Season average: C+

NT Casey Hampton: A

Weekly grades: B/B/B/C/B/A/C/A/B/A

Season average: B

RE Brett Keisel: B

Weekly grades: A/B/C/B/B/A/A/A/B/B

Season average: B+

LOLB Lamarr Woodley: A

Weekly grades: D/D/D/D/C/B/B/B/B/A

Season average: C

LILB James Farrior: B

Weekly grades: B/A/C/B/C/A/A/B/B/B

Season average: B

LILB Keyaron Fox: C

Weekly grades: A/A/C/C/B/D/A/A/F/C

Season average: C+

RILB Lawrence Timmons: A

Weekly grades: DNP/B/B/D/B/A/B/DNP/B/A

Season average: B

ROLB James Harrison: A

Weekly grades: A/B/A/A/A/B/A/A/C/A

Season average: B+

LCB William Gay: D

Weekly grades: C/C/B/B/B/C/D/C/B/D

Season average: C

RCB Ike Taylor: A

Weekly grades: C/B/A/A/B/D/B/C/A/A

Season average: B

SS Troy Polamalu: INC

Weekly grades: A/DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP/A/A/A/INC/DNP

Season average: A

FS Ryan Clark: D

Weekly grades: B/B/A/B/A/B/B/DNP/A/D

Season average: B

Special teams regulars

PK Jeff Reed: B

Weekly grades: B/F/C/A/B/B/D/B/C/B

Season average: C+

P Daniel Sepulveda: B

Weekly grades: A/A/A/A/B/B/B/A/A/B

Season average: B+

KR Stefan Logan: B

Weekly grades: B/D/A/C/B/B/B/C/C/B

Season average: C+

PR Stefan Logan: B

Weekly grades: C/C/C/F/C/INC/C/B/B/B

Season average: C

Coaches

HC Mike Tomlin: F

Weekly grades: B/C/D/A/C/B/B/A/D/F

Season average: C+

OC Bruce Arians: C

Weekly grades: C/D/C/A/B/A/C/B/F/C

Season average: C+

DC Dick LeBeau: B

Weekly grades: A/B/C/B/B/A/B/A/A/B

Season average: B+

Read more Ben Roethlisberger news on BleacherReport.com

Why Steelers Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians Needs To Be Fired

Nick Signorelli — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:50:27 -0500

With Sundays loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, there are a few things that have become abundantly clear to me.

1—There is too much talent on this Steelers offense to not be putting at least 30 points per game on the score board.

2—As long as Bruce Arians is calling the plays, this team will never accomplish that feat.

In over time, when Charlie Batch came in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger, the first play called was a pass play,which made me think, WOW—Arians must be finally getting it.

Now, I think Batch heard a different play than the one Arians called.

On third and two from the 35 yard line, instead of running Rashard Mendenhall up the middle, or even a QB sneak, Arians made the all time bone headed call of the year. A sweep right.

On the play, sweep right? Instead of having the powerful Rashard Mendenhall take the ball, or the fast Willie Parker (I know he is not that fast anymore, but he is faster than Mewelde Moore), the Steelers put in Mewelde Moore.

Putting Moore in would have been a great call if the play was a run up the middle, or a short pass, not a sweep.

So, Arians calls for the sweep, and Moore looses three yards, pushing the potential field goal from 52 yards to 55 yards, and out of Jeff Reeds range.

Regardless of what happened after that point, the loss has to be put on the shoulders again of Bruce Arians.

Though the season is not over for the Steelers, if they are going to be successful one of two things is going to have to happen.

1—Arians is going to have to be stripped of his play calling.

2—Ben Roethlisberger is going to have to be calling a LOT of audibles.

With the talent the Pittsburgh Steelers have, they should be dominating the better teams in the league, let alone the Chiefs.

So, here is my short list of potential offensive coordinators, that the Steelers should consider hiring when they fire Bruce Arians at the end of the season.

1—Charlie Weis. Though he faltered heavily with Notre Dame, there is little speculation that he has an amazing ability at calling plays. Since Weis left the New England Patriots, the Pats have not won the Super Bowl. They won three titles while Weis was calling the plays. Weis is one of the reasons Tom Brady is known as he is today.

2—Brian Billick. Since being fired by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2007 season, Billick has worked in TV. Many people do not want to give Billick credit as an amazing offensive coordinator, but forget about the time with the Ravens. Billick led the Minnesota Vikings to post the most points ever put on the score board (556 points with 41 TD Passes) with Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss in his rookie season. With a quarterback that is considerably better than Culpepper, and more offensive weapons (I would take Holmes, Ward and Wallace over Moss), Billick could do wonders with this team.

3—Mike Martz. I took a lot of heat on suggesting Martz previously, but I think it just might work. Martz flopped as a head coach, even with the "greatest show on turf". If he would be willing to focus more on running the ball, he would be a great addition. Pittsburgh has turned into a pass first team, and with the weapons the Steelers have, even Martz would be able to do an amazing job.

4—ME! I know, I know, what have I ever done to warrant an NFL coordinator gig? My answer is simply, nothing. Nothing at all. I guarantee that I would not have the problems that Arians is having. I would be willing to mix up the plays, and I would allow the no huddle offense a lot more than Arians does. The no huddle keeps defenses on their toes, and wears them out because they can not freely substitute. I would run the no huddle at least once per quarter, putting the ball in Ben Roethlisbergers hand, and let him work his magic. Not only that, I would be cheap. I mean VERY cheap. I would do the job for like, $100K per year, which would make me the lowest paid coordinator in the NFL.

For years, the Steelers were only one piece away from being a dynasty. During the Neil O'Donnell days it was no receiver. During the Kordell Stewart days, it was no QB. For the Steelers to let this opportunity go because of loyalty to Arians, that would be a shame.

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