Guest Blog: Charlie Batch's comments raises more questions

Batch's comments raises more questions


By SteelersCrash


Charlie Batch's recent comments about Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley's relationship that the Trib's Alan Robinson reported are alarming to say the least. IF true they raise even more questions rather than provide answers:

Charlie Batch says Ben Roethlisberger wasn't allowed to change plays last year

sbnation.com

Here we go again. The drama just never stops ticking when it comes to the Steelers. At least this drama doesn't involve someone getting shot and/or arrested. This time it's more Todd Haley vs Ben Roethlisberger garbage, spewed by the media and media wannabees. 

Pedro Gets No Respect

The Pittsburgh Pirates have sucked balls for over 20 years. The streak of not only not making the playoffs, but having 21 consecutive losing seasons has been embarrassing. The Pirates have seen good players come and go during the streak, often times getting nothing in return. (Aramis Ramirez)

Now, as the losing streak at least looks like it's on the way of coming to an end, the Pirates actually have some really amazing young players. Of course, NL MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen is one of the most exciting and recognizable players on the team, he's a straight beast, and easily the face of the Pirates right now. Starling Marte looks like he too can be a perennial All-Star in the major leagues. The excitement and potential building around young arms Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon is through the roof.

The Standard is the Standard-Paging LaMarr Woodley

As Mike Tomlin enters his sixth year as head coach, he has given many Tomlin-isms over the course of his career, but none more infamous than this one;

“The standard is the standard.”

That quote is now a sign affixed outside the Steelers locker room this season, where players will now be reminded of what it really means; the Pittsburgh Steelers way. When fans think of the Steelers, their first thought is usually defense, and for good reason. Over the past two years, they have been the number one overall ranked defensive team. A defense run by Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau, he has earned his reputation in the game for creating a defensive style known for wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and rattling offenses. LeBeau has to credit one key member of that defense, and one who seems to be an irreplaceable member on this team; outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

Tight End Troubles

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fortunate to have one of the top-ten most complete tight ends in the NFL for close to the last decade in Heath Miller. (In my opinion of course). Miller has already pretty much solidified himself as the greatest tight end in Pittsburgh Steelers' history (again IMO) but for the first time in his career; will be missing some serious game time. Miller is going to be out for about the first month of the 2013 NFL season.

The Steelers and their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger rely heavily on the Miller in their passing game.Miller has finished either second or third in receptions on the team since the 2009 season. Not only that, but Miller is also one of the better blocking tight ends in the league. He's a Pro-Bowler caliber player that is really irreplaceable on this team.

Most teams are utilizing two-tight end sets in their passing games in today's NFL. The Steelers haven't really caught on to this idea yet. In fact, until Miller was drafted they really weren't up to date with having any tight end be involved in the passing game on a consistent basis.

The Steelers brought in Matt Spaeth, who I don't think is very good, but "knows the system" to be the second tight end. Well, even if that was going to be true, Spaeth is now out for 8-10 weeks because of foot surgery. David Johnson, another guy that "knows the system" could step up but he's also injured and is currently on the PUP list.

The starter for now is David Paulson. Yikes. Paulson looks abysmal in the preseason opener in every aspect of the game. If I were a betting man I'd say he probably had trouble getting his pads on correctly. Paulson has experience, catching seven passes a year ago for 51 yards. The Steelers are in a world of hurt with Paulson as their starting tight end.

Behind Paulson the Steelers have a bunch of guys no one has ever heard of. Including but not limited to Jamie McCoy (Zero career catches), Nathan Overbay (Zero career catches), Peter Tuitupou (Undrafted rookie) and Michael Palmer who actually has three career touchdowns.

Get well soon Heath.