OK, let's start the debate now...

First - the teacher in me hast to point out that "they're" should be their :-D .

Second - I agree with you on the post - except the Steelers are already saying that Legursky starts at center tonight and Essex takes LG spot. It's probably 6-one-way-half-dozen-the-other without Pouncey in there, but at least it's not Kemo.

Though I agree that the Stains game is the most troublesome because they'll be out to end their season strong, I do not think they will be all that tough. Get a lead early, and they'll be wanting to get their golf clubs out of storage for the off-season. Starters should be able to put them away in the first half and rest for the 3rd and 4th quarters.

 

Honestly, with our playoff berth I'd rather see him sit and be truly healthy when it really matters. I think it would lead to a loss tonight, but I'm ok with that if he's ready to play his butt off in the playoffs. That said, I've figured all week he'd be playing tonight. He always does, broken hand, broken foot, broken nose...

 

And - his play with those injuries, along with becoming his signature, leads to the intangibles that cannot be matched with either other quarterback. The rest of the league took care of the Steelers business yesterday. Now, it's time for Ben and the Steelers to do their share tonight. We don't need them to back into the playoffs.

 

ah, my stepmother would applaud you also as an english teacher. thank you for your service to our youth and grownups alike. :hello:

 

i agree, we make it tough now or tougher later. a win now buys us an extra week in the first round. more or less.

 

i agree, we make it tough now or tougher later. a win now buys us an extra week in the first round. more or less. [/quote:1pvkrnqi]

Not to mention the message Ben playing would send to the rest of the team. How motivating was it for the team to see Ben come out and play the 2nd half against the Stains? How much more motivating will it be for him to take the field tonight? They've seen him and his ankle for 10 days now. They know how hurt he is. For him to play anyway, sends a message to the team and fans about how important it is to finish strong - especially now that the Steelers control their own destiny.

 

I hate kraft almost as much as that goon godamell

:godell: x 1,000

 

As long as Ben can't get further injured....

I almost feel Batch should play though....

 

To your first statement - there are no guarantees. It wouldn't matter if he were 100% healthy - just running him out there risks injury.

To your 2nd statement - Batch just might play - but I don't think he should start. Let Ben get out there and see how it goes. Batch is ready because of all the reps he had in practice all week, so if we need him, we need him.

 

If the Ravens had shown up, I would say ride the bench, Ben....

This game is HUGE now- we need him out on the field.

 

This reminds me of Terry Bradshaw's last season. He had been injured for most of the season - and came out with his arm still not 100%. He threw two touchdown passes if I remember correctly - at least one of them was classic TB. After that last pass, he came off the field holding his arm and that was it. The Steelers were so inspired by his return they won the game big-time.

I'm not saying that Ben should play the whole game, but I think just his ability to start and maybe help the team through the the first half or so may be that much more motivation to put this game away.