STEELERS 101

It seems as though all of the news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers week has focused on the injury to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and now his replacement Byron Leftwich. While that story may in fact lead to the downfall of the 2012 Steelers if Big Ben cannot return and Leftwich struggles, that is far from a foregone conclusion

Leftwich is a talented veteran, who more than anything can lead the team in Roethlisberger’s absence. Sure, his game may not be pretty, and his throwing motion looks more like a baseball pitcher than quarterback does, but Leftwich is and always had the leadership qualities that seem to come out when his teammates need him. Everyone should remember his offensive line in Marshall carrying him down the field after a huge completion when he severely injured his leg, that moment there spoke volumes about the type of player and leader he is.

Yes, he is not Roethlisberger and the offense may not be as effective early on, but if the Steelers can generate any type of running game, they not only have a shot this week against the Baltimore Ravens, their chances for a successful 2012 will keep improving. On that note, it appears that the entire stable of running backs may be back for their Sunday night match-up, as Rashard Mendenhall (Achilles) looks to be ready to return action.  

In other injury news, the team today placed linebacker Chris Carter on the injured reserve list with an abdominal injury. The second-year linebacker, who stepped up early in the season in the absence of veteran James Harrison and made three starts, will be replaced on the roster by practice squad linebacker Marshall McFadden.

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Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich, Chris Carter, Football, James Harrison, Marshall McFadden, NFL, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Steelers, Rashard Mendenhall

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