The Ravens are preparing for both quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch, heading into Sunday's game against the Steelers.
Under normal circumstances, this would be a lot of extra work for the Ravens. But these aren't normal circumstances.
Even if Roethlisberger plays -- and a source told ESPN on Wednesday that there is less than a 50 percent chance that he will -- you can't expect this to be the same quarterback who shakes off pass-rushers and escapes the pocket. Three weeks removed from dislocating a rib, Roethlisberger will likely be as mobile as the 37-year-old Batch.
So, it shouldn't really matter whether it's Roethlisberger or Batch to the Ravens' pass rush. The Ravens have recorded 12 sacks in their past three games, and will look to exploit a Steelers offensive line that could start four players at different positions from a week ago.
The two players that the Steelers have to watch are Terrell Suggs and Paul Kruger. Suggs’ 13.5 career sacks (regular season) against the Steelers are the most he has against any opponent, and the most any active NFL player has compiled against Pittsburgh. Kruger has had a sack in his past three games, including two at Pittsburgh.
The Ravens had success in blitzing the Steelers' backup quarterback a couple of weeks ago. In the previous meeting in Pittsburgh, the Ravens limited Byron Leftwich to a 28.6 percent completion rate (2 of 7 passing) when they sent five or more defenders, according to ESPN Stats & Information.