Thoughts on starting Big Ben?

**Dark Horse** · 09-19-06, 08:16 AM

Offnight for the Steelers. Don't read too much into it. Public will now overrate the Jags. Spread for Indy game down to a TD, from 9 pts. Same overreaction for Cincy game. Gotta love it.

Steelers after a shutout. Not a good spot for Cincy, especially with their injuries.

**Sportsgirl** · 09-19-06, 08:21 AM

As a Steeler fan, I hope you're right. I think with Ben ill and Polomolu obviously injured, the team wasn't tip-top, but the Jags did play their collective butts off last night, and I've always appreciated the coaching skill of Del Rio. I think he's got a good team there and Peyton may spend some time Sunday feeling much like a bunny being chased by a pack of wolves!

**Brick Tamland** · 09-19-06, 09:53 AM

I am not sure pitt rebounds over night...Big Ben looks fat and out a shape. Anyone else think so??? go against the steelers next game too!

**Sportsgirl** · 09-19-06, 09:59 AM

Actually, that wasn't fat .. Ben was heavily padded around the middle to protect the area where he had the surgery.

**gummo** · 09-19-06, 10:35 AM

I agree with Dark Horse. I think the Steelers win this week and I'm a Bengals homer.

**Sportsgirl** · 09-19-06, 11:04 AM

What about the Jags and Indy ... any guesses?

**rezster** · 09-19-06, 11:51 AM

I would rather have Ben start the Jags game, play poorly and lose, then have him wait for a divisional game to shake the rust off.

Cowher made the right call in starting Ben.

If the Jags D can run the same blitzing schemes against the Colts and put pressure on Manning, they wont need the 7 points next Sunday. The +270 money line is looking very tempting.

**anthon9283** · 09-19-06, 12:27 PM

I just think Ben wasa little rusty or maybe worried about getting drilled too much. I think next week he will be much better with a week of practice and more healing.

**McBa1n** · 09-19-06, 01:41 PM

Big Ben wasn't terrible last night - a lot of that was the Jag's D, which is pretty banged up - but still a top 5 unit, no sweat.
He HAS to start, he gives them the best chance to win. The Jags would've rolled if Batch was in there - his lack of ability plays into the Jags D and it would've been ugly.

I think you have to credit Jacksonville, they did go 12-4 last year, afterall (and had an early loss, but cover on the spread at Indy - that's a win/cover and a loss/cover their last 2 times up there). They are an emerging team, and they deserve to finally get noticed by the public. I don't think the Steelers lost this game so much as the Jags won it.

**Seattle Slew** · 09-19-06, 02:39 PM

Looking back, maybe Pitt should have rested him another week and went with Batch. Wouldn't have made a difference likely, but it's a long season and they need him healthy down the road.

Amazing that Pitt's first drive with the catch-no catch ruling on the Jax 32 was the farthest they got all night. If that ball completes, Pitt likely gets 3 points or better in that opening drive and it's a different game.

Originally posted by anthon9283

I just think Ben wasa little rusty or maybe worried about getting drilled too much. I think next week he will be much better with a week of practice and more healing.

**anthon9283** · 09-20-06, 03:02 AM

I read on my fantasy news that Ben had a fever of 100.4 during the game. Hope he plays well next week because I have to start him.

**gummo** · 09-20-06, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by anthon9283

I read on my fantasy news that Ben had a fever of 100.4 during the game. Hope he plays well next week because I have to start him.

The funny thing about that is Michelle Tafoya reported before the game that he had a 104 degree temp! I would have definitely benched him if he was on my team because I think that's pretty life threatening level for an adult.

As for the Indy game, sportsgirl, I would still take them straight up based on Jax working on a short week and possibly being drained from a big emotional win.

**moses millsap** · 09-20-06, 09:24 AM

Originally posted by gummo

The funny thing about that is Michelle Tafoya reported before the game that he had a 104 degree temp! I would have definitely benched him if he was on my team because I think that's pretty life threatening level for an adult.

Exactly, only humans that can handle a 104 are babies.

**Sportsgirl** · 09-21-06, 07:36 AM

Originally posted by gummo

The funny thing about that is Michelle Tafoya reported before the game that he had a 104 degree temp! I would have definitely benched him if he was on my team because I think that's pretty life threatening level for an adult.

As for the Indy game, sportsgirl, I would still take them straight up based on Jax working on a short week and possibly being drained from a big emotional win.

My head says straight up you are right my friend. It was a tough physical contest with Pittsburgh and they are working the short week. But my gut says the Jags are gonna take Manning & Co. down.

Geez, I hate when the head and the heart disagree!