The old adage if it isn't broken, then don't fix it will apply to the Steelers offense this week as quarterback Charlie Batch will start his second consecutive game when the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at Heinz Field.
Batch is coming off an impressive performance in a 38-13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 12 of 17 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
"He is doing a nice job," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "We won last week. That is a good place to start. The guys have a great deal of confidence in him. He is simply a man that's taking advantage of an opportunity. You have to be happy for him."
Dennis Dixon opened the season as the starting quarterback after Byron Leftwich injured his knee in the preseason, but Dixon suffered a knee injury of his own against the Titans the second week of the season.
Insert Batch and with a veteran at the helm it's allowed the offense to do more.
"You are talking about a guy who has been a franchise quarterback, a starter and has been here nine years," said Tomlin. "He is 35 years old. It's all a re-run to Charlie Batch. Dennis Dixon it's new for him. He is a young, talented guy. You try to help him manage the game or help him manage the game as a coach."
Going in to the 2010 season there weren't many who thought Batch would be starting week four, Batch likely among them. But he overcame early disappointment and when the opportunity arose, he seized it.
"It's an awesome lesson learned for our young players, one I hope they will take and heed too," said Tomlin. "This league is about perseverance, this game is about perseverance. It's about taking advantage of opportunities when they are given. He is giving them a shining, clear cut example at this juncture."
As far as the health of the Steelers other quarterbacks, Byron Leftwich has rebounded from his knee injury and was ready to go against Tampa if needed.
Dixon underwent surgery last week and Tomlin was pleased with the results.
"He came out of surgery fine," said Tomlin. "Tentatively they are saying anywhere from four to six weeks but every time it's different. We're hopeful that he is going to get back to us quickly. We'll see how it goes."
Tomlin was asked if Dixon was a candidate for injured reserve, but at this point he ruled it out.
"Not this week," said Tomlin. "It depends on how games go. I never look too far ahead in terms of those decisions. We have to play a game this week. Injuries are a part of football. You never know, you just don't."
On the injury front the Steelers are in relatively good shape as they prepare for the Ravens.
Tomlin on the injuries: "Chris Hoke is questionable at this juncture. If he gets some work the later part of the week we are going to play him. Of course we are going to play the healthy men. He is going to have to prove his health to us, as is Trai Essex from his ankle sprain. We'll watch those guys and judge their level of availability based on what they do here in the week.
"The rest of the injuries are bumps and bruises that go along with football. Will Allen returned to the game the other day with his ankle sprain. We expect him to be fine. Ziggy Hood sustained an ankle sprain at some point late in the football game. We expect him to be fine. He might be limited at the top of the week. Anthony Madison had a little hamstring. He shouldn't be limited too much. Other than that we have a clean bill of health. We're going to need it. Such is life when you play Baltimore."
