When Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger departed the field shortly before halftime during Monday night's game against the Washington Redskins, many fans figured he was simply receiving some extra treatment. When the second half began, he was no where to be found. Not only was the trademark number seven not behind center, backup quarterback Byron Leftwich had just thrown a 50-yard pass to receiver Nate Washington. The Washington, D.C. native, Leftwich, picked up where he left off at H.D. Woodson High School.
Reports out of the locker room during halftime indicated that the quarterback may have separated his shoulder in the first hal. According to Espn.com, he said to a trainer, "I felt my shoulder pop out." An MRI was taken on Tuesday but no decision was made regarding his status for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Leftwich and the Colts Defense
If Roethlisberger's injuries force him to miss action, expect Leftwich to step in and play for as long as necessary. The Colts may prove to be a tough first start for Leftwich. His career statistics against the Colts: 14-24 for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns does not say much.
Indianapolis ranks in 2nd place behind the Steelers in the AFC. They give up an average of 181 passing yards per game. If that trend continues, Leftwich may see his pass attempts limited. The Colts rank 12th in the AFC in rushing yards allowed per game. Steelers running back Willie Parker should take a more prominent role in the offense if Leftwich plays.
Leftwich and Roethlisberger Share Similarities
The two quarterbacks share many parallels:
- Roethlisberger, 26, is 6’5” and weighs 241 pounds. Leftwich, 28, is 6’5” and weighs 250 pounds. They are both towering quarterbacks who can see easily over the line of scrimmage.
- Both quarterbacks are mobile and adept at escaping pass rushers.
- Roethlisberger starred at Miami University (Ohio) in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). He holds all major passing records at the school and won a significant victory in the 2003 GMAC Bowl.
- Leftwich starred at Marshall University in the MAC and won the 2001 GMAC Bowl in epic fashion over East Carolina 64-61. He ranks second behind Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington in most of Marshall’s passing records.
Leftwich’s Path to the Steelers
Once upon a time, Leftwich was the franchise quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars before succumbing to David Garrard before last season. Leftwich was cut and signed by the Atlanta Falcons but sustained an ankle injury just as he did when he played for the Jaguars. He tried out with fellow quarterback Daunte Culpepper for the Steelers after then-backup quarterback Charlie Batch was lost for the season with a broken clavicle. He signed a $645,000 one-year contract which may prove to be a bargain for a player with his pedigree.
He may be auditioning for that franchise quarterback position status that once-upon-a-time seemed like his only path.
Source for statistics:
ESPN.com
