Charlie Batch plans to return to Steelers in 2013
By Matt Shetler
It was apparent towards the end of the 2012 season that the Pittsburgh Steelers need to address the backup quarterback positions behind starter Ben Roethlisberger.
With last season’s backups Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch both free agents, now would be the opportunity to upgrade both backup spots.
Dec 2, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch (16) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M
That’s news to Batch though as the 38-year old sounds like he plans on being in a Steelers uniform in 2013.
"“My plan is to come back, and I haven’t heard anything differently from the organization,” Batch said, via SportsRadioInterviews.com “And I think when you leave out of there at the end-of-the-year meetings, you know one way or the other. And they didn’t tell me that they didn’t want me back. So I think that’s a good sign.”"
Currently there has been no indication from the Steelers front office regarding what they plan to do about the second and third quarterbacks, but bringing Batch back is once again failure to address a growing problem.
The 12-year veteran has been good for the Steelers in the past, but over the course of the past couple seasons his diminishing skills have been a problem.
For every good moment Batch has, such as defeating the Baltimore Ravens late in the season, there are plenty more moments such as his performance against the Cleveland Browns.
Batch isn’t getting any younger and his lack of arm strength is a concern.
On a positive note, Batch can be had very cheaply and given the Steelers salary cap situation, it may make a little sense to bring him back as the No. 3 guy.
But as many hits as Roethlisberger takes during a season, the backup quarterback spots have become even more important.
Batch has been great for the community and represented the Steelers well during his eight years wearing the black-and-gold, but it’s likely time for a change as the Steelers need to move on.