Batch ready if Big Ben can’t play

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Charlie Batch stood in the huddle, so intent on hearing Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ instructions through the speaker in his helmet the veteran backup quarterback couldn’t hear the Heinz Field crowd pay tribute during last week’s 27-0 romp over St. Louis.

It wasn’t until one of his teammates tapped Batch on the shoulder that the chants of “Char-lie! Char-lie” registered.

“People were telling me later they could hear it through their TV,” Batch said. “I was like, ‘really, OK, pretty good.”’

Actually, better than that.

Batch was his usual efficient, reliable self against the Rams, passing for 208 yards and showing there’s plenty of life left in his 37-year-old legs, extending several plays that turned into big gains as the Steelers (11-4) kept their hopes of an AFC North title alive.

The Pittsburgh native improved to 5-2 while subbing for starter Ben Roethlisberger through the years, earning praise from coach Mike Tomlin and turning Roethlisberger into one of the world’s tallest — and most handsomely paid — cheerleaders.

When the fans started chanting Batch’s name, Roethlisberger joined in. It’s the least he could do for one of his closest friends.

“For an old man ... making people miss in the pocket and doing some great things, I was really happy for him and happy for the team,” said Roethlisberger, who dressed but did not play so he could rest his badly sprained left ankle. “He did a great job.”

So good the Steelers might let Roethlisberger watch from the sideline again on Sunday when they close the regular season against Cleveland (4-11). Pittsburgh can still win the AFC North with a victory and a loss by the Baltimore Ravens in Cincinnati.

Though Batch is openly rooting for Roethlisberger to start, and while Roethlisberger took snaps with the first team in practice on Wednesday, the veteran’s steady performance against the Rams calmed any doubts he can keep the Steelers competitive.

“Charlie likes to chuck it,” wide receiver Antonio Brown said. “You know he wants to get it out of there and let us go to work.”

Roethlisberger knows Batch could have left at some point and tried to become a starter somewhere else. Batch’s commitment to his hometown has netted him two Super Bowl rings and status as the franchise’s elder statesman.

“A lot of guys would have chased a paycheck,” defensive end Brett Keisel said. “Charlie could have done that. But this is home for him. He’s happy here. He’s involved in the community and this is a great organization to play for.”

Even, Batch knows, if you go years without playing much at all.