Report: Steelers offer Leftwich a two-year contract

Good news. Word is that the Steelers have offered backup QB Byron Leftwich a two-year contract. Hopefully, Leftwich will sign it. Of course, Leftwich's signing would most likely mean the end of road for Charlie Batch, though it seems possible that the team would offer Batch a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. It's difficult to imagine how he would beat out Leftwich and second-year man Dennis Dixon for a roster spot, however.

I know there are some Steelers' fans who believe that Batch is a better backup than Leftwich, but I totally disagree. In terms of ability, Leftwich is a better QB than the starters on at least a half-dozen teams. It's just that in the past, Leftwich's lack of durability has been known to affect his play (a big reason why he's not a good option as a starting QB), but durability shouldn't be much of an issue if he only starts or appears in a handful of games per season.

Steelers sign QB Leftwich

Today, Pittsburgh signed QB Byron Leftwich - a former No. 1 pick (seventh overall in 2003) of the Jacksonville Jaguars - to a one-year contract. Leftwich will serve as Ben Roethlisberger's backup for at least the next six weeks, as veteran Charlie Batch is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow to repair the broken right collarbone he suffered during Friday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Batch will be out for a minimum of six weeks following the surgery.

Steelers win preseason opener; Batch injured

The Steelers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 16-10 earlier this evening at Heinz Field. But Pittsburgh's backup QB Charlie Batch reportedly suffered a broken right collarbone during the game.

Ravens: What are the Chances...?

In contrast to the NFL's expectations this Steelers-Ravens game has turned out to be a virtually meaningless matchup. Of course, the Steelers should still do everything possible to win (except play Ben Roethlisberger), just in case Oakland manages to defeat San Diego, an unlikely scenario considering how awful rookie QB JaMarcus Russell has looked in limited action this season. Realistically, the Steelers aren't going to reach the AFC Championship game if Jacksonville and New England are the obstacles. But if Pittsbugh moves up to the #3 seed and plays either Cleveland or Tennessee followed by Indianapolis, the Steelers' chances would improve substantially.

Anyway, "What are the Chances...?" gives the Steelers a 70 percent chance of winning this game, mostly because Baltimore has been decimated by injuries. In fact, the Ravens will be starting rookie Troy Smith at QB, giving the Steelers a big edge at the QB position, even if backup Charlie Batch is the starter, as expected. Recent games between these teams have been very one-sided, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Pittsburgh won fairly easily.

Should Tomlin start Roethlisberger?

Last season Bill Cowher and the Steelers' medical staff let Ben Roethlisberger come back too quickly after both the appendectomy and the concussion he suffered against the Falcons. It cost them the game at Oakland and arguably the game at Jacksonville as well. So if Big Ben is "questionable" to start against the Jags tomorrow I would hope that Mike Tomlin leans against starting him.

First, the Steelers need a relatively healthy Roethlisberger to make any noise in the post-season; he's not going to get any healthier facing the Jags' fierce defense. And don't forget that the Steelers play again just four days after the Jags game, which doesn't leave him much time to recover for that matchup. Also, backup Charlie Batch has proven he can play effectively and win games coming off the bench.

Finally, a big factor that never gets mentioned is: If Tomlin starts Batch and the offense sputters he can always bring Roethlisberger on in relief, potentially giving the crowd and the team a big lift. If Big Ben starts and the offense is ineffective (as was the case in the 9-0 loss at Jacksonville last year), it will be very, very difficult for Tomlin to pull Roethlisberger in favor of Batch. As a Super Bowl-winning franchise QB, Roethlisberger has long since earned the right to play through any struggles he or the offense might experience.

Let's hope Tomlin doesn't make the same mistakes Cowher made in terms of allowing an injured Roethlisberger to start.

Fantasy Draft Board "Mis-Underestimates" Steelers?

Today, Pro Football Weekly (PFW) unveiled its offseason fantasy draft board, ranking quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, placekickers and defenses. With the exception of Willie Parker (#8 at RB and #9 overall) the fantasy talent evaluators at PFW don't think highly of the Steelers' offensive players. Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch are ranked 17th and 54th, respectively, at the QB position. Najeh Davenport and Kevan Barlow are 60th and 89th on the RB board. And Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Cedrick Wilson and Nate Washington are 18th, 41st, 83rd and 93rd, respectively, at wide receiver. Meanwhile, PFW has Heath Miller rated #22 among tight ends and PK Jeff Reed ranked 22nd among kickers. The Steelers are listed as the seventh-best fantasy defense, however.

Click here to view the draft board.