D.C. native Leftwich makes good for Steelers

By Neal Coolong  |   Tuesday, November 04, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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It was a different story for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich last season.

Struggling mightily with the Atlanta Falcons, Leftwich was eventually released in favor of Joey Harrington. As it turns out, he ended up in a better spot, filling in for super-sub Charlie Batch behind Pro Bowl passer Ben Roethlisberger.

Leftwich replaced Roethlisberger after the Steelers' starter had perhaps the worst game of his career Monday, completing just 5 of 17 passes for 50 yards and an interception. Roethlisberger left the field with a shoulder injury at the end of the first half, and did not return. Leftwich came in, completed 7 of 10 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, and helped the Steelers crush Washington 23-6.

Commentary: Watching Leftwich come in and provide a spark that the Steelers' offense had been missing in at least its last six quarters brings up a question: How healthy has Roethlisberger been recently? Even without the gifted footwork of Roethlisberger, Leftwich deftly avoided the pass rush, and looked supremely confident guiding the offense he had yet to lead in meaningful minutes in the regular season.

Leftwich, who grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, hit wide receiver Nate Washington for a 50-yard completion. It was Washington's fourth straight game with a 50-plus-yard reception, and it was the trigger of an offense that started playing with a sense of determination. The Redskins' defense had utterly dominated the Steelers to that point, but execution became much more crisp with Leftwich, and there was a sense of confidence they hadn't had since their Week 7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Does this mean Roethlisberger should sit in favor of Leftwich, provided his shoulder is healthy, against Indianapolis Colts in Week 10? Probably not, but it's obvious the enormous amount of abuse Roethlisberger has endured made him less of a player; moreover, if it's possible to give him some rest, the Steelers should consider it.

Fan Pulse: The Pittsburgh Live fan message board is already buzzing with theories about Leftwich versus Roethlisberger.

Fantasy Football Impact: Running back Willie Parker had 70 yards and a touchdown in his first game back since Week 3. WR Santonio Holmes, who was deactivated for the Steelers' Week 8 loss to the New York Giants, picked up a touchdown and 30 receiving yards.

Injury Watch: Roethlisberger's status will be determined Tuesday, according to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Tight end Heath Miller, who has started 52 consecutive games for the Steelers, left with a calf injury. The Steelers were without left tackle Marvel Smith and cornerback Bryant McFadden.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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